Our Missioners in Heaven:
Sr. Adelaide Koetter SVD (Freeport)-New Guinea
Sr. Adelaide was a Freeport, MN native. In 1926 she joined the Holy Ghost Convent in Techny, IL which is connected to the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD). She served for a short time in Mississippi before taking a permanent assignment in New Guinea late fall of 1937. During her time in New Guinea she was in charge of the school, church, and hospital.
During WWII, the Japanese used New Guinea as a base, and suspected many of the religious located there of being spies. Early in March 1943 they boarded a number of detainees onto one of their ships and the following day they were all executed. Sr. Adelaide was executed on March 17, 1943 she was 36 years old.
Fr. John Kaiser MHM (Maine) -Kenya
Fr. John was born in Maine, MN. He joined the Mill Hill Missionaries in 1960, ordained a priest in 1964, and sent to Kenya where he lived and ministered for 36 years. On August 24, 2000, Fr. John was found murdered on the side of a road with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. While there are speculations, it is still unknown who killed him.
He was beloved by the Kenyan people, who called him “The Rhino,” because while he was peaceful, he would rise up and fight against injustices. Fr. Kaiser likewise loved the people of Kenya. He learned their language, ate their food, worked with them, and ministered to them. He had a great love for the poor and those affected by injustice. He fought for justice for the Kenyan people, advocating for equality of all Kenyans regardless of ethnic, economic, and political boundaries. This work led to him receiving Kenya’s Human Rights Award in March 2000, just five months before his death. He is greatly missed both here and in Kenya.
To read more about Fr. Kaiser, you can find more of her story in our newsletters. Look in Summer 2020, Summer 2025.
Sr. Agnes Soenneker OSF (Sauk Centre)-Nicaragua /Venezuela
Sister Agnes made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1962. She ministered as a missionary, member of the Franciscan Sisters Leadership Team, healing, and retreat minister, and was a farmer at heart. She served in Minnesota, Kentucky, Nicaragua, and Venezuela before passing away on December 28, 2007, at the age of 68. She was a Franciscan Sister for 50 years.
Sr. Anita Jennissen OSF (St. Anthony)-Peru/Colombia/Africa/Mexico
Sister Anita was born on February 3, 1933, the fourth of 14 children of the late Math and Margaret (Forster) Jennissen. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on July 31, 1952. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1954, and final vows on August 12, 1957. She was a Franciscan Sister for 72 years.
Anita appreciated growing up on the family dairy farm in a very rural area near Padua, with the address of Sauk Centre. As in many rural communities of the time, Anita attended a one-room school where, after seven years, she passed the state exams to go on for high school. She attended St. Francis High School in Little Falls as a boarder while discerning a call to be a missionary and a nurse. She began nursing school and the following year (1952) entered the congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. She learned to know and love the sisters and spirit of Saint Francis while studying in their schools.
Sister Anita’s family were very special to her, but this deep, vibrant love was also extended to people of all ages, nationalities and cultures. She ministered to the poor, sick and dying in South America, Africa and the United States with respect and reverence. She said, “Some of the loudest sermons I’ve ever heard come from the poor.”
Sr. Anita is Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN. She previously served in Peru from 1962-1970, Colombia from 1971-1977, Africa from 1982-1984, 1986-1991, 2002-2004, Kenya 2004-2005, and Mexico from 2005-2008. Sr. Anita says of her time as a Franciscan that the beauty in it is how the spirit of Francis is that he taught through his life and example that we are brothers and sisters with all of God's creation.
Sr. Annelda Wahl OSB (Illinois)-China/ Puerto Rico/ Taiwan
Sr. Annelda made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1930. She spent many years ministering in health care. She served as an anesthetist and in administrative positions at the St. Cloud Hospital as well as ministering in other U.S. States, Taiwan, China, and Puerto Rico. She passed away on April 19, 1986, at the age of 79. She had been a Benedictine Sister for 60 years.
Sr. Annette Brophy OSB (Utah)-Japan
Sister Annette made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph in 1959. For the next 77 years she spent her time ministering primarily to those in the US, but she also spent a couple years in Japan. Sr. Annette was an artistic and creative person with an education in music and languages. She was able to serve as an educator in central MN and Japan, as well as giving music related lessons at the College of St. Benedict. Her creative spirit shone as she also composed music, gave private music lessons, did freelance photography, co-authored a book with Sr. Mara Faulker called Born of Common Hungers: Benedictine Women in Search of Connections, and with the help of Sr. Galen Martini as the script writer, Sr. Annette created two multi-media programs published by Liturgical Press: Peace, the Urgent Dream and Journey of Conversion. She passed away on August 31, 2023 at the age of 96.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Antonia Rausch OSF (Ortonville)-Tanzania
Sr. Antonia (Tonie) joined the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN after her high school graduation in 1951. After becoming a Sister, Sr. Tonie spent much time teaching at all levels. Her teaching experience began in the local diocesan grade schools. Later she would teach at the High School at the St. Francis High School. She was a gifted and creative teacher, always challenging her students to open their minds to new and innovative ideas. In 1986, she was sent to Tanzania to teach and serve the people there. She eventually returned to Minnesota in 2003 where she used her experiences in Africa to minister to a number of new immigrants and refugees.
Sister Tonie was a down-to-earth person who had a reverent love for all of God’s people, especially the poor and oppressed. She passed away on June 17, 2017, at the age of 84 after 65 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Beata Lorsung OSF-Mexico
Sr. Beata made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1940. Throughout her years as a Franciscan sister she ministered primarily in education and pastoral ministry. She taught at St. Francis High School and researched and wrote the history of the Franciscan Sisters. She served in the United States and Mexico before passing away on October 11, 2007, at the age of 93. She was a Franciscan Sister for 72 years.
Fr. William Schreder T.O. R. (St. Martin) India / Brazil
Fr. William Gans OCSO ( West Union) Chile
Renee Twomey M.M.S (St.Cloud) India
Sr. Benedice Schulte OSB (Monticello)-Japan / Thailand
Sr. Benedice made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1947. During the years that followed she ministered primarily in educational roles. She taught at the College of St. Benedict, opened and taught at a mission in Japan, taught high school in Cold Spring, MN, taught in Alaska, and she taught English at a seminary in Thailand. She passed away on September 13, 1997, at the age of 75. She had been a Benedictine Sister for over 50 years.
Sr. Bertha Gerads OSF-Ecuador / Mexico
Sr. Bertha made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls in 1950. Her primary ministry was in health care and pastoral ministry in the Midwest, Mexico, and Ecuador. She passed away on June 8, 2006, at the age of 78. She was a Franciscan Sister for 62 years.
Fr. Werner Shadeg SVD (Union Hill)-New Guinea
Fr. Werner was one of 14 children born to Rose and Henry Shadeg on July 12th, 1919. Fr. Shadeg began his missionary training in 1932 at Divine Word Seminary in Epworth, Iowa and completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Word Seminary in Techny, Illinois where he was ordained in 1945. Following 2 years of teaching classical languages at Techny, Fr. Shadeg was sent to New Guinea in 1947. There he served as secretary to Bishop Leo Arkfeld in Wewak until 1957 when he was made headmaster of a high school on Kairiru Island. In 1956, Fr. Shadeg returned to the U.S. and earned a master's degree in Education from Loyola University. Returning to New Guinea two years later, he continued his ministry in education in the seminaries and high schools. In 2002, Fr. Shadeg returned to Techny after 55 years of mission. He passed away on April 5th, 2006.
Br. John Haupt SJ ( St. Martin) Zimbabwe / Rhodesia
Sr. Francetta Kunkle SSpS ( Pearl Lake)- Ghana
Sr. Carolyn Law OSF (South Dakota)- Venezuela /Nicaragua
Sr. Carolyn was a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN for 43 years. She previously served in Venezuela from 1985-1990, and Nicaragua from 1990-1993 before returning to Minnesota. She had a love for wide open spaces, a sense of God in nature, and a desire to see the rest of the world. When she was serving abroad she wanted to learn directly about the poor of the world. Learning another language and experiencing another culture was humbling yet enriched her greatly. She returned to the States in 1992 and after a year sabbatical pursued a graduate degree in counseling psychology. She found this ministry meaningful and felt that as a Franciscan she could offer a special warmth and compassion for those who come for help in their need. Sister Carolyn was a gift to her community and those who knew her well. She passed away on December 16, 2023 at the age of 71.
Sr. Cleone (Anne) Burnett OSB (South Dakota)- Taiwan
Sr. Anne made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister 1926. She spent much of her time ministering in education, spending 38 years teaching upper elementary grades. She also spent time in Taiwan and promoted mission work in China for 10 years.
She passed away on May 5, 1984, at the age of 79. She was a Benedictine Sister for over 60 years.
Sr. Donalda Terhaar OSB (New Munich)- China
Sr. Donalda made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1926. She spent some time teaching classical languages at St. Benedict’s Academy in the 1920s before becoming a member of the first group of Benedictine missionaries to go to China. She taught English in Peking for five years before returning the US and teaching English, French, and Spanish. After retiring from teaching, she worked in the Convent’s library until 1991. She passed away on January 25, 1996, at the age of 92. She had been a Benedictine Sister for almost 70 years.
Fr. Norbert Shadeg SVD ( Farming) Bangladesh
Fr. Jim Remmerswall OSC (Netherlands) Indonesia
Br. Robert Mandernach OSC (St. Martin) Congo Republic 1993-95
Sr. Donna Zetah OSF (Motley)- Peru /Guatemala/Honduras
Sr. Donna made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1952. The majority of Sr. Donna's ministry revolved around healthcare and Hispanic ministry. She served as a missionary nurse in Peru, as well as with those suffering from the effects of war and natural disasters in Guatemala and Honduras. She continued to serve the Hispanic population when she returned to the United States.
She was deeply loved by many, and ministered to people in a gracious, gentle, and compassionate manner. She adapted easily from one experience, one community of people, one area to another. In her many years of service to Hispanics and migrants, and as a missionary, her goal was always to ensure basic health care for everyone. Throughout her life, Sr. Donna had a great appreciation for her religious community and her family and felt supported by both in her service to the poor. After 70 years as a Franciscan Sister, Sr. Donna passed away on March 15, 2018, at the age 88.
Sr. Dorthea Lenz OSB (St. Michael)- Taiwan
Sr. Dorthea made her final vows as Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN in 1951. She primarily served her community in the areas of the domestic arts as a cook, laundress, housekeeper, homemaker, etc. Her ministry brought her to Taiwan, working in an adult day care and caring for small children while their parents’ attended classes, and assisting in the parish office. At Saint Benedict’s Monastery, she served in hospitality, helped in food service, sewing, and assisting the sisters in many ways. Sr. Dorthea was most grateful for her call to religious life. She felt it helped her learn how to better know, love, and serve God and God’s people. She continued to honor God to the end of her life through community living and undertaking a special ministry of prayer. She passed away on July 28, 2020, at the age of 92. She was a Benedictine Sister for 72 years.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Elizabeth Ohmann OSF (Greenwald)- Peru/Mexico
Sister Elizabeth made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1956. She had a creative mind, innovative spirit, and a compassionate heart, all of which she utilized in her varied ministries. As an elementary teacher, she was called on to reach out to students with special needs whose unique gifts and talents she helped to discover. Inspired by the example of her brother, Maryknoll Fr. Dan Ohmann, she volunteered to serve in Peru. Her focus there was on improving the lives of the poor in Altiplano. Returning to the United States, she served in administration at the Motherhouse. There, her concern centered on the needs of the elderly and infirm sisters. She also did some work as an educator, organizer, and activist with Border-Links and Humane Borders in Tucson, AZ. There she used her gifts to ease the suffering of migrants and raise awareness of immigration policies that made it necessary for people to put themselves in life-threatening situations. Sister Elizabeth was universally respected and loved by those whom she served and with whom she ministered. She passed away on January 12, 2014, at the age of 80 after 62 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Ellen Cotone OSB (Minneapolis)- Bahamas / Brazil
Sr. Ellen was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She made her final vows in 1954. She loved music, and it always played a key role in her life. Throughout her life she was a music teacher, an organist, a member of the music department at the College of St. Benedict, served in parish ministry, and she was an elementary music teacher in the Bahamas. She served for over ten years in Brazil where she worked in parish ministry, liturgy, and a variety of activities especially with youth. She passed away on April 9, 2017, at the age of 86 after 62 years as a Benedictine Sister.
Photo and information from Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph's website.
Sr. Euphrasia Ruhland OSB (Eden Valley)- Japan
Sr. Euphrasia made vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1935. She spent time doing domestic and outdoor work at the Mother house before being name superior at Hokkaido, Japan in 1958. She later served as the novice mistress there. She returned to the US in 1963 where she spent the rest of her days in the St. Cloud Hospital. She passed away on February 27, 1964, at the age of 50. She had been a Benedictine Sister for 31 years.
Sr. Felicia Stager OSB China 1940-45
Fr. Richard Frank OSC (Swanville) Papua New Guinea 1965-71
Bishop Alphonse Sowada OSC (Elmdale) Papua New Guinea 1960-2001
Sr. JoAnne Bastien MM (St. Cloud)- China
Sister Joanne died at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY on January 3rd, 2023. She was 91 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 69 years. Joanne was born in St. Cloud, MN on October 17th, 1931 to William Bastien and Magdalena (Arendt) Bastien. She had one brother, Joseph and three sisters, Florence, Marjorie and Rose.
In 1949, Joanne graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School and then attended St. Catherine College of Nursing, MN from 1949-1952 where she earned an R.N. Certificate. On February 2nd, 1953 she entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Valley Park, MO.
Joanne made her First Profession of Vows on September 8th, 1955, in Valley Park, MO and her Final Profession of Vows on September 8th, 1961 in Hong Kong. In 1956, Sister Joanne received her first overseas mission assignment to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), however, she was reassigned to Hong Kong in 1957 when the Ceylon government refused to renew visas. In Hong Kong, Sister Joanne first studied language in 1957 and then was teaching and practicing nursing in the Kwun Tong area until 1963. She then returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY and was placed on medical leave until 1968. Sister Joanne relocated to Chicago, Chinatown and was assigned to the Eastern, U.S. Region where she taught at St. Therese’s School until 1981. She once again returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY and became a member of the Center Community from 1981-2000. During this time, she served in various roles: volunteered in the Center Library, provided nursing services to Sisters in Rehabilitation and the Pain Management Program and served as Assistant Director of Activities in the Maryknoll Nursing Home. In 2000, Sister Joanne retired to the Sisters retirement home in Monrovia, CA. She remained in California until 2012 when she returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY, where she resided until her death.
Fr. Greg Poser OSC (Lastrup)-Papua New Guinea
Fr. David Gallus OSC (North Prairie)-Papua New Guinea
Fr. Dennis Dunn MM(Vesta ) Bolivia /Puerto Rico/Thailand
Fr. Dennis was born in Vesta, Minnesota on September 7, 1945, son of Thomas and Lillian Soupir Dunne. He has one brother and two sisters. He graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in Alexandria in 1963, and went on to earn a B.S. in Social Studies from St. Cloud State University in 1967. He then volunteered for the Peace Corps, serving two years in Arani, Bolivia working with the Quechan people, followed by two years in Puerto Rico teaching English and Spanish to disadvantaged adults.
Upon his return to the United States, he taught high school, including special education students, in Wabasha, Pine River and Onamia, Minnesota, while also earning an M.S. degree in Special Education from St. Cloud University in 1982.
He entered Maryknoll on August 22, 1983 and, after initial formation, was assigned to Thailand for his Overseas Training Program. Father Dunne was ordained at Maryknoll, New York on June 2, 1990 and assigned to Bolivia. He worked in Riberalta, Bolivia until he was recalled to the United States in August 1995, when he was assigned to the Development Department, working in the Minneapolis area.
In September 1998 Father Dunne took over the directorship of the Maryknoll Development office in Minneapolis and remained an active member of the Mission Education and Promotion Department up to a few months before his death. While Director, he also looked after his ailing mother in the final years of her nursing home care
Sr. Elenore Kuhl MM ( St. Martin)-Philippines
Eleanor Veronica Kuhl was born in St. Martin, Minnesota on May 1, 1905, the eleventh child of the thirteen children of Matthias and Lucy Dietrich Kuhl.
Eleanor attended local schools, and entered Maryknoll on April 4, 1930; she made her First Profession on January 6, 1933 and pronounced her Final Vows in 1936. Earlier at her formal Reception into the Community she received her religious name, “Sister Marion Cecilia.” As was usual at the time, the innumerable demands of nurturing the ‘Young Maryknoll’ made it necessary for all hands to do countless jobs, and so it was with Sister and her life for the next six years once she joined her missionary group.
In 1936 came her first overseas assignment to the Philippines where she would live, study, suffer and minister for the next fifteen years. From 1942 to 1945 she was the guest of the Japanese at Los Banos Internment Camp. In 1951 she was recalled to the Center to help meet the heavy sewing and housekeeping demands of the “growing Maryknoll” which was opening its doors to greater numbers of those seeking to follow the mission call.
In 1967 she again returned to the Philippines, the latter years being spent in home as well as prison ministry. In 1980 she elected to return to the U.S., naming Monrovia as her choice. Sister Eleanor liked music and was always faithful at choir rehearsals. She sat in her key seat for special Masses, her strong, true voice lending leverage to those of us who had trouble addressing the notes as intended. One of her favorite pictures was that of “her choir” – the residents of the Baguio jail.
Sr. Flora Goebel OSB (Iowa)- China
Sr. Flora made her first vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1910. She ministered in the medical field, working for St. Alexus hospital in Bismarck, ND before volunteering for foreign missionary work in China. While there she helped the sisters conduct a dispensary before returning to the United States in 1943. She went back to being a nurse in MN before retiring because of illness. She passed away on September 23, 1956, at the age of 67. She was in the 47th year of her religious profession when she passed away.
Sr. Frances Kempenich OSF (Randall)- Peru
Sr. Frances made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1947. In the 79 years that followed she served as a missionary, housekeeper, cook, cottage mother, parish visitor, counselor, and personal care attendant. She ministered in a number of cities in Minnesota. She was also part of the first group of Little Falls Franciscans to serve in Latin America where she was a missionary in Peru, South America, from 1962-1969.
Sister Fran, as she was known to everyone, was an “all-around-sort-of-person” who had many talents. She was dedicated to serving others, especially the elderly and handicapped. She will be dearly missed by everyone. She passed away on July 22, 2022, at the age of 97.
Sr. Francetta Vetter OSB (North Dakota)- China/Japan/Taiwan
Sr. Francetta made vows as a Benedictine sister in 1916. She taught at the College of St. Benedict’s before leaving for China. She became the first superior of the mission in 1930, later she became dean of a middle school in Peiping. In 1950, the nuns moved to Tokyo where they started a cooking school with other classes.
She passed away on December 27, 1966, at the age of 70. She had been a Benedictine sister for 50 years.
Sr. Glenore Riedner OSB (Bird Island)- Taiwan
Sr. Glenore made her final vows as a Benedictine sister in 1926. She spent her time teaching and working as a dietitian. She started by teaching home economics at St. Benedict’s Academy, later teaching at the College of St. Benedict. She was influential in the formation of the Central Minnesota Dietetic Association. She also helped organize and implement a new cafeteria in the St. Cloud Hospital while serving as their chief dietitian. Along with her ministry here in the US, Sr. Glenore was assigned to assist in the formation of Benedictine Sisters in Taiwan. There she helped them with their ministry at the orphanage, taught at the university, and was their regional superior before returning to the US in 1970. She passed away on October 25, 2008, at the age of 106. She had just celebrated her 85th year as a Benedictine sister that summer.
Fr. Herbert Gappa MM (Urbank)- Tanzania
Fr. Herb grew up in Urbank, MN before being ordained a priest with Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers in 1968. After ordination, Fr. Gappa was sent to Tanzania where he would spend more than 30 years of his life. He was first and foremost a pastor, priest, and missionary. His life’s work was in service to God and the Bariadi community. He spent his time growing the church in Tanzania while emphasizing deep faith, hard work, and the importance of caring for the environment. He felt that planting trees and planting faith were interconnected. He would often say: “When you die and go to heaven, at the pearly gates, St. Peter will ask you one question: On earth, how many trees did you plant and how many trees did you cut down?”
He loved a good Tanzanian liturgy that included vibrant singing, glorious dancing, and common-sense preaching. He had a great love and respect for the people he served. He eventually returned to Minnesota and continued mission promotion stateside before moving to Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers in Ossining New York in 2019. He was a Maryknoll priest for 55 years before passing away on December 22, 2023, at the age of 81.
Sr. Hilda Keller OSB (St. Cloud)- Japan
Sr. Hilda made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN in 1963. She served as a teacher for many years despite having multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years. She was able to teach elementary and secondary education in the US and Japan. In 1984 she moved to the Saint Benedict’s Monastery where she worked in the library and held reading classes for the sisters. This developed into coordinating reading classes, being assistant sacristan, and serving as receptionist. Sr. Hilda passed away on October 31, 2021, at the age of 81. She had been a Benedictine Sister for 61 years.
Sr. Jacinta (Patricia) Roemer OSB Taiwan
Sr. Jacinta was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She served in Taiwan from 1961-1971 before passing away.
Fr. Richard Walz ( Rockville) 1989-2000
(Sr.) Joy Fussy (Royalton) -Yemen
Joy was a former Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN. She previously served in Yemen from 1974-1976 before passing away on February 14, 2021.
Sr. Justin Feeley OSB Japan 1975-76
Fr. Kieran Nolan OSB Japan
Sr. Jeanette Roesch OSB (Albany) Puerto Rico / Mexico 1948-51
Fr. Linus Doerner OCSO (St. Cloud) - Chile
Fr. Linus was born in 1934 in St. Cloud, MN, entered Gethsemani in 1953, and made his solemn profession in 1958. He was ordained a priest in 1962, and was sent to La Dehesa, (Miraflores, Chile) in 1968 where he made his stable vows in 1972. Fr. Linus was titular Superior of the community from 1986 until 2004. When he passed away in 2022, he was 88 years old, a professed monastic for 67 years and 60 years a priest.
His deepest desire was to give his life for his friend. The impression he gave others was a man of deep peace, humility, wisdom, holiness, and love. Those who knew him felt incredibly honored and blessed.
Taken from a note written by Rosanne Fischer in our Spring 2023 newsletter.
Sr. Madonna Kuebelbeck OSB (St. Paul)- Brazil
Sr. Madonna was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She made her final vows in 1956. Her passion and ministry revolved around health care. She worked in the St. Cloud Hospital for many years. Later she served for 12 years in Brazil where she ministered to those living in poverty. After returning from Brazil, she served in Willmar, MN where she ministered to all, especially those in the Hispanic community. She passed away on September 3, 2015 at the age of 83 after 56 years as a Benedictine Sister.
Sr. Marcella Schuller OSF (Osakis)- Vietnam
Sr. Marcella made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1938. She was a loving and compassionate person whose spirit of giving seemed endless. At the age of 50, after 18 years of serving as an anesthetist in many Franciscan hospitals, she generously volunteered to serve in Vietnam through Catholic Relief Services. Those four years of her life were some of the most enriching experiences she ever had. She truly loved the Lord and served Him through those He put into her life. She passed away on April 4, 2012, at the age of 95 after 79 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Margretta Nathe OSB -Montreal, Canada
Sr Margretta made her perpetual vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1937. She ministered in education, teaching elementary, junior high, and college students. She also spent some time working as the prefect of the students, dean of residence, director of development, as well as helping publish the Benet and news service, working as a photographer, and the executive secretary for the Alumnae Association. Sr. Margretta also helped direct the College overseas program, teaching students abroad in Germany and Switzerland for ten years.
She passed away on June 26, 2007, at the age of 93. She had been a Benedictine Sister for over 77 years.
Sr. Mariette Pitz OSB China / Taiwan
Fr. James Minette ( ND) 1965-90
Fr. Mark Willenbring (Pierz) 1965-91
Sr. Maristell Schanen OSF (Cohasset)- Yemen/Tanzania
Sr. Maristell made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1953. She lived her life with an intense appreciation for the good, the true, and the beautiful. She had a deep understanding and gratitude for all the experiences into which she was led by Divine Providence in her life’s journey. She held herself to the high ideals that she gathered from her parents, her faith, and her religious Community. She spent the majority of her 63 years as a Franciscan Sister ministering in education. She taught formally in high schools, college, and religious education, and informally in Franciscan renewal and as an administrative assistant with Catholic Relief Services. She ministered in Minnesota, New York City, Colorado, Yemen, and Tanzania before passing away on July 6, 2012, at the age of 93.
Sr. Mary Camillus Weier OSF (Wisconsin)- Peru
Sr. Mary Camillus made her vows as a Franciscan sister in 1939. During her time as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls she ministered as a registered nurse, served as the assistant director of the St. Francis School of Nursing, the administrator at St. Francis Hospital and Home, she was an instructor at the St. Gabriel's Hospital School of Nursing in Little Falls, the coordinator of Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls in health care programs, and served as president of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls from 1972-1976. She also served in mission at a clinic in Yunguyo, Peru and later as a faculty member at Santa Maria University in Arequipa, Peru. She ministered in Peru from 1962-1976. She passed away on January 24, 1982 at the age of 62.
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Sr. Mary Gertrude Maus OSB (Jacobs Prairie)-Japan
Sr. Mary Gertrude made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1933. She spent over 40 years teaching high school English, history, and religion in ND, MN, UT, and Tokyo Japan. She was also a high school principal for 15 years of her teaching career. She passed away on July 22, 1989, at the age of 86. She had been a Benedictine sister for 60 years.
Sr. Mary Mercita Pipp OSF (Austria)-Colombia / Venezuela / Brazil
Sr. Mary Mercita was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1943. She did her ministry in the health care field as an RN. She was a staff nurse, nursing supervisor, director of nursing, instructor, and as the Vice President of Trinity memorial Hospital in Cudahy, WI.
In 1967 she went to Colombia, South America as a member of Project HOPE. This was one of the most significant and satisfying experiences of her long career in health care. She said, “Its (project HOPE’s) philosophy reflected mine – people distinguished by giving themselves through performance and achievement who share the common interest of supporting the highest ideals, traditions, and purposes.” She saw each day as a challenge, an adventure, a learning experience, and a fulfillment. Her time with Project HOPE was primarily in Colombia, but she also spent time in Venezuela and Brazil. She passed away on January 2, 2019 at the age of 94 after 75 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Olivia Forster OSB (Illinois)- Japan
Sr. Olivia was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She made her final vows in 1947. She served much of her time in education as an elementary and later a secondary school teacher in Minnesota. She ministered in Japan where she taught English for over 20 years. After she returned to the United States she served at the monastery in St. Joseph where she wrote a book titled, Ardent Women: A History of the Federation of Saint Benedict. She was an avid reader and loved walks and playing card games. She loved the people and culture of Japan. She passed away on February 4, 2017, at the age of 92 after 69 years as a Benedictine Sister.
Bishop Paride Taban - South Sudan
Bishop Taban was someone though not from the St. Cloud Diocese, had been connected with us for many years. He sadly passed away on November 1st, 2023 at the age of 87. He was a remarkable peacemaker, spiritual leader, and humanitarian who did great work in Sudan. A little about his mission work.
South Sudan is the newest country in the world, officially on July 9, 2011, after a referendum that passed to secede from the nation of Sudan, following over 20 years of civil war and unrest. Bishop Paride Taban was the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Torit, and founder of the Holy Trinity Peace Village in Kuron, South Sudan. A place that works to bring all people of different ethnic groups together for everything from education to prayer to playing soccer. He helped run this village and advocated for peace and reconciliation throughout the world, including assisting with mediation in other global conflicts.
He was the recipient of many awards for his decades of peace-building efforts, including winning the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation, being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and posthumously winning the Opus Award of $1 million dollars in 2023.
Sr. Rachel Loulan OSB (Biwabik)- China
Sr. Rachel made her profession as a Benedictine Sister in 1922. She was one of six sisters who went to China in 1930 to start an educational center for Chinese girls. She passed away in China from a throat infection on April 10, 1937, she was only 36. She had been a Benedictine sister for more than 15 years.
Sr. Ramona Johnson OSF (St. Augusta)- Ecuador/Mexico
Sr. Ramona made her final vows as a Franciscan sister in 1955. For the next 50+ years she served in health care and ministered to the poor in Mexico, Ecuador, and the United States. She passed away on December 20, 2008, at the age of 78. She had been a Franciscan Sister for 58 years.
Sr. Regia Zens OSB (South Dakota)- China/Taiwan/Japan
Sr. Regia made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1916. She spent her time ministering as a homemaker in convents in Pierz and Cold Spring, MN. She was also a missionary in China for 20 years and Japan for 19 years before retiring in 1969. She also spent four years in a concentration camp in China. She passed away on February 25, 1987, at the age of 93. She had been a Benedictine sister for over 74 years.
Sr. Rita Barthel OSF (Albertville)- Venezuela
Sr. Rita was a Franciscan Sister for 54 years. She ministered in education, Franciscan Sister's leadership, and in parish ministry. At the time of her death she was a pastoral associate at the Church of St. Paul in St. Cloud, MN. She also spent some time ministering in Venezuela from 1967-1975. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 72.
Sr. Ronayne Gergen OSB (Wisconsin)- China/Taiwan
Fr. Eugene Theisen MM (Wadena)- Mexico/Chile
Fr. Frank Loesch SJ ( Pearl Lake ) India
Fr. Fidelis Becker (Richmond) Malawi
Karin Reichensperger (St. Cloud)-Guatemala
Karin was born May 20, 1972 in St. Cloud to Charles P. & Constance L. (Forstner) Reichensperger. She founded the MESSAGE Program in 2003 and became its full-time, volunteer Executive Director. Karin made it her life goal to create and expand an organization that could help those in need. She made volunteering her life; living by her motto "Not only are we making a difference in someone's day, we're changing their life." The MESSAGE Program gathered medical, dental, EMS, and Fire equipment and supplied it to communities in third-world countries. In addition to providing supplies, Karin and volunteers from The MESSAGE Program also provided training necessary to use the equipment. She accompanied the organization's first shipment to Guatemala in 2003 and made numerous trips back before her passing. To Karin, volunteering meant sharing your blessings with those in need. She enjoyed representing the generous donors that enabled The MESSAGE Program to make a difference in the lives of so many. She is dearly missed by everyone she touched; from Central Minnesota, Minneapolis, to Guatemala, and borders beyond. Karin passed away from complications of a minor surgery on July 17th, 2013.
Fr. Paul Kuhl SVD (St. Martin) Mexico
Fr. Henry Miller OSC (Spring Hill) Papua New Guinea 1959-68
Fr. Jerome Trettle MM (North Prairie)- Chile
Father Gerry, the eighth of eleven children of Frank Trettel and Lucy (Warzecha), was born May 18, 1920 in North Prairie, Bowlus Township, Minnesota. After public school education in North Prairie, he spent two years at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota and one year in the minor seminary there, before entering the Venard in 1942. He was known by his contemporaries as a solid person of steadfast character, a hard worker with a quiet temperament and a droll sense of humor. His Novice Master wrote of him: “The observation most common concluding all reports on Jerome is: ‘This young man has all the earmarks of a good missioner.’ He is quite obviously the soul of patience, kindness and humility. His piety is unostentations and solid.”
His original assignment in 1949 was to Kaying but, due to the Communist take-over, this was changed to Chile. During his years in Chile he served as assistant or pastor in Curepto, Temuco, Chol Chol, Galverino, Portezuelo and Huachipato. in November, 1961 he was appointed alternate consultor to the Regional Superior, then as fourth assistant. In 1981 he was put in charge of a new commitment in Our Lady of Carmen Parish in Canete where he served until his death. In this assignment he did an excellent job of building up lay leadership training and development according to modern standards.
Born and brought up in a farming family, he had a particular affinity for farming people with whom he worked in his various assignments. He lived out his belief that one of the most successful ways of getting close to the people was to show consideration for them, be kind to them, visit them and encourage them in every way. All his missionary life Father was very active, spoke Spanish well and achieved excellent results in giving pastoral service and practical advice to those for whom he worked.
While on furlough in the States, in 1957, he assisted at the Minneapolis Development house and worked with Mexican Catholics in that area. In 1962 he was assigned as Spiritual Director at the Venard, where he also taught Religion. Because of his extensive mission service he was an excellent Director for the young seminarians. During this period he participated in various biblical and religion workshops as well as studies in mental health and counseling. He returned to Chile in 1967.
As early as 1956 Father Trettel developed some health concerns. He fell ill in November, 1961 and required several weeks bedrest followed by a lighter workload. His superior at the time remarked: “I cannot imagine Jerry working lightly any place.” He continued in his pastoral work without any apparent ill effects until his death on April 11.
Sr. Ruth Ann Nistler OSF (Crookston)-Peru/Venezuela
Sr. Ruth made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1956. She was a person who loved to share her life and talents with other people. She had a deep love and admiration for the people she ministered to in South America and said that she received more from them than she was able to give to them. She had a great desire to reach the total self-giving, wholeness and holiness to which God called her.
Sr. Ruth ministered as an elementary teacher, foreign missionary, library assistant, pastoral minister, director of religious education, receptionist, music and liturgy coordinator, pastoral associate, and Hispanic minister. She passed away on July 20, 2013, at the age of 81. She was a Franciscan Sister for 61 years.
Sr. Shaun O'Meara OSB (Kilkenny)- Japan
Sr. Shaun made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1957. Education was the basis of her life; she spent many years as a student and a teacher. She ministered in this way both in the US and in Japan. Along with ministering through education, she wrote meditations for the radio, served on the Oblate Advisory Team and the Formation Team at Saint Benedict’s Monastery, worked in the Monastery’s Studium, gave retreats, led workshops, wrote book reviews, and gave homilies. In 2011, she moved to Saint Scholastica Convent where she undertook a ministry of prayer for the prioress and those studying theology. She passed away on October 14, 2016, at the age of 85. She was a Benedictine Sister for 64 years.
Sr. Sheila Mortonson OSF (St. Cloud)-Italy/Egypt/Africa/Belgium
Sr. Sheila made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls in 1946. For the next 60+ years she was a teacher, librarian, and lecturer. She ministered to those in the United States, Italy, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and Belgium, She passed away on June 7, 2008, at the age of 92. She had been a Franciscan sister for 66 years.
Fr. Teddy Niehaus OFMCAP (Sauk Centre)-Nicaragua
Fr. Teddy was a Capuchin Franciscan priest from Sauk Centre, MN. He was ordained in 1967 and proceeded to spend his entire priesthood in Nicaragua. After over 45 years of serving the Nicaraguan people, Fr. Teddy passed away in 2014 at the age of 75.
He was known as the 'River Padre' and beloved by the people he ministered to who felt he was like St. Francis himself. He lived the Franciscan spirit, and a sincere, authentic, and dedicated life in the name of service. As Monica Rudawski wrote, “I’m afraid Fr. Teddy’s boots are much too big for us to step into, but his footprints are everywhere for us to follow, leading us on his holy trail, where people beg to be ministered to, where our own spirits yearn for a long drink of water alongside our sisters and brothers. There is a deep ache in the hearts of the people here in Nicaragua, as Teddy’s absence falls heavily upon us all. The sheep have lost their shepherd.” His calling to Mission was a joy that energized him and those around him. He left behind a deep and wide legacy and is greatly missed by many.
Sr. Ursuline Venne OSB (St. Paul)- China/Taiwan/Japan
Sr. Ursuline made her first vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1910. She was a music teacher and an organist, teaching music around central Minnesota during her early years as a religious. She later joined other Benedictine sisters in China before being transferred to Tokyo Japan almost 15 years later. She remained there until she became ill and returned to the United States. She passed away on March 18, 1957, at the age of 67. She had been a Benedictine Sister for almost 50 years.
Sr. Wibora Muehlenbein OSB (Indiana)-China/Taiwan/ Japan
Sr. Wibora made vows as a Benedictine sister in 1924. She spent 6 years teaching in Minnesota before responding to a call to open a mission in China. For the next 31 years she would spend her time teaching, building, and doing administrative work in the Orient. During World War II, she was an internee in a Japanese concentration camp for over four years. When Americans were expelled from mainland China in 1948, they moved to Taiwan where they taught, conducted a student center, student hostel, and a home for babies. A few years later she moved with the sisters to Tokyo, Japan where they had a convent and student hostel. She returned to the United States for a visit in 1961 and was unable to return to Taiwan due to health issues. She later wrote a book about her personal stories titled “Benedictine Mission in China.”
She passed away on December 19, 1983, at the age of 78. She had been a Benedictine sister for almost 60 years.
Theresa Moran Purkat (Little Falls) Honduras
Betty & Jerome Pasela (Little Falls)-Benin/Guinea/Burkina Faso/South Africa/Togo
Dr. Robert Courteau and Florence (Biernot) Courteau (Minneapolis/Onamia)- Rhodesia/Thailand/Jamaica
Robert was born November 8th, 1923 and Florence was born October 21st, 1924. The Courteau's married in 1950 and voluntarily moved to Onamia with their young family of four to begin a new health facility and serve as the single doctor and nurse in the area from 1956-1969. For well over a decade, the Courteau's special brand of doctoring included doing house calls and even staying after hours to clean with the assistance of the Franciscan sisters of Little Falls who helped staff the clinic. Dr. Courteau taught the nurses to do simple sutures, since Onamia was in fishing country where many fishing accidents happen. From 1970-1973 they did volunteer medical work on the Driefontein Mission in Gwelo, Rhodesia. From 1973-1975, Dr. Courteau served at the Brainerd State hospital and An Gwah Ching. From 1983-1985 the whole family went to do voluntary medical mission work in the refugee camps of Camp Bon Vinai and Phinat Nikom in Thailand and from 1985-1986 they served in the slums of Kingston Jamaica.
Robert passed away on March 25th, 2003 and Florence on September 12th, 2013.
(Sr.) Itwara (Hildegard) Zimmerman SSpS (Pierz) India
Fr. Delmar Skillingstad S.J. ( St. Cloud)-
Korea/Japan/Rome/Kenya
Sr. Marie Ann Lipitzky MM (Clements)- Philippines/China
Marie Ann was born to Aloysius Lipetzky and Ann (Heitzig) Lipetzky on a farm in Clements, Minnesota. She was the fourth child, but the first daughter, into a family of five sons and six daughters. Marie Ann had always known she wanted to be a religious sister and now she had to decide where. There were a number of options but one day she had watched a film in school about the work of the Franciscan Fathers in Nicaragua. That convinced her that the best thing she could do for God was to become a missionary. This led her to Maryknoll where she took the train from Minnesota to New York arriving on July 1, 1949. She made her First Vows on March 7, 1944 and her Final Vows on March 7, 1947 at the Maryknoll Center. From 1943 to 1947, Marie Ann attended Maryknoll Teachers Training College and received her Bachelor of Education degree. The same year, 1947, she attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul Minn. graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Library Science. For three consecutive summers Marie Ann also attended the Pius X School of Liturgical Music in Manhattanville College.
In 1954, Marie Ann was given her first overseas assignment to the Philippines. There she served as librarian at Maryknoll College in Quezon City until 1960 when she went to Hong Kong to replace another sister in the music program.
Early in 1969 to January 1971, Sister Marie Ann was given the opportunity of studying at St. Louis University where she received a Master’s degree in Religious Education. Sister Marie Ann returned again to Hong Kong. The region which before did not encourage the teaching Sisters to learn the local language were now encouraging it and Marie Ann, now 49 years old, found herself a full time student studying Cantonese at Hong Kong’s New Asia College. For the first time in her religious life, she found herself living in a small community of four or five Sisters. Furthermore, Sisters were also given the opportunity to participate in their choice of ministry. Soon four Sisters were staffing a Young Workers Center in Sau Mau Ping. During the next eight years, 1974-1979, a series of teenagers with unsolvable home problems, came to live with the Sisters at the Centre. Soon interests widened to include the elderly.
In 1979, the sisters began running a Caritas Home for the Elderly in a public housing area. It was in response to the Bishop’s request that four of the Maryknoll Sisters: Meidal Stone, Ruth Evans, Anne Marie Emdin and Marie Ann moved into this work. By 1998, Caritas’ work with the elderly had developed tremendously and well-trained staff carried forward the Caritas spirit in new well-equipped centers for the elderly.
As Marie Ann wondered what she would do next, she considered the Maryknoll houses in the Hong Kong/Macau Region.
Sister Marie Ann returned to the Motherhouse in September of 2005 where she served as Co-coordinator of the Chi Rho Community until 2008 and a Chi Rho Community Team member until 2015. On October I, 2019, Sister transferred to the Maryknoll Sisters Residential Care. Marie Ann Lipetzky passed into eternal life on May 19, 2021. She had been a Maryknoll Sister for-80 years and would have been 98 years old on December 28, 2021.
Fr. Vincent Theobald SVD (Randall) New Guinea
Fr. Henry B. Hirsch (Germany/St. Cloud)-
South Africa/East Africa
Born Feb 24th 1875 in Stadtkreis Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany . He was ordained to the priesthood in South Africa, March 5th 1898. He served in the missions in Cape Colony South Africa and later in Portuguese East Africa. When the government there persecuted the Catholic church, he was expelled from the country along with other missionaries. He came to the St. Cloud Diocese in 1912. He was first appointed pastor of St. Galls parish Tintah, and later served in Collis, Chokia, Urbank, Lastrup and was Chaplin to the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. Oct. 1933 he was appointed pastor of St. Peter and Paul's church in Elrosa, MN and served until 1948 when he was named pastor of St. Alexius parish, West Union, MN. Oct 15th 1949 he was named pastor of St. James parish, Maine, where he remained until retiring, May 8th 1953. He lived in Greenwald until he moved to
St. Cloud MN in 1961. While working as a missionary in Africa, he translated Faerber's large catechism and Schuster's large Bible history into the native language. He wrote an explanation of the feasts and ceremonies of the church and compiled a hymn book in the native language as well. Fr. Henry profoundly impacted those around him and defined what it means to live a life in mission.
Fr. Henry died, Oct 4th 1967 at the age of 92 and is buried at St. Peters & Paul's Cemetery in Elrosa MN.
Fr. Donald Wodarz SSC (Browerville)-Philippines
Fr. Donald was born in Browerville in 1936 to John Walter & Matilda Johanna (Casperson) Wodarz. He had 3 siblings, Bernard Jacob Wodarz 1943-44, William Joseph Wodarz 1945-45 & Judy Ann Wodarz 1947-2001.
Fr. Donald entered into the Columban Seminary, Silver Creek in 1953 and was ordained on December 21st, 1960, at the St. Columban Seminary in Milton, Massachusetts.
He was appointed to study Theology in Rome. In 1963, he was assigned to the Philippines and worked in the Diocese of Cagayan. In 1970 he joined the formation staff in Miton, MA. and in 1973 he was named Rector. In 1980, he returned to Rome for a Doctorate in Missiology. He was appointed to St. Columban College in Turramurra, NSW Australia and at the Pacific Mission Institute. He subscribed regularly to The Far East and South Pacific Journal of Mission Studies.
Fr. Donald Wodarz died suddenly on October 1st 1994 at the age of 58 and is buried at the North Suburbs Cemetery in Sydney, Australia.
(Br.) Christopher (Paul) Miller SVD (Albany) New Guinea
Patrice Mary Schaaf (Milaca)-Mexico/Chile
Patrice is the eldest of six children and was born on July 16, 1953. Her parents, Fabian and Theresa, farmed in Benton County. From an early age, Patrice had a heart for service and human justice. She cultivated a love for learning languages, and this interest led her to be of service to Latin American people. She attended Saint Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota's Morris Campus, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Studies. She earned a Master of Arts in Theology at Maryknoll, New York. She was a religious coordinator and worked in pastoral ministry, embracing her passion for justice with social work in Texas, Mexico, and Chile. She also worked with the Maryknoll sisters at Labandera in Santiago, Chile at the height of the repressive dictatorship, which took a toll on her mental health. Returning to the United States after three years, she continued social work in Texas, Mexico, California, and Minnesota. While caring for her elderly parents before they passed, she worked for Saint Cloud school district's adult education and taught English as a second language for both Hispanic and Somali students. Patrice will always be remembered as kind, gentle, soft spoken and open hearted. Patrice passed away on February 6th, 2025.
Br. Robert Ludwig C.S.C (Avon)
Brazil/Europe/Israel/Japan
Brother Robert was born in Avon, Minnesota on March 9, 1925, the son of Peter and Barbara (Mergen) Ludwig. He attended elementary school in Lake Henry, Minnesota until 1940, and then helped the family on the farm for the next six years. He joined the United States Army in 1946 and was part of the Occupation Force stationed in Tokyo, Japan, until September 1947. While in Japan, he met the brother of Brother Edward Courtney, who encouraged him to pursue a vocation in Holy Cross. Robert followed the calling to join the Holy Cross Brothers and entered Sacred Heart Juniorate in Watertown, Wisconsin on September 1949 and began his religious training six months later at St. Joseph's Novitiate in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, where he pronounced his first vows in February 1951. Brother Robert's first assignment was to stay at the Novitiate to work on the farm for two years. Then he was a staff member at St. Charles Home in Milwaukee, WI. and Sacred Heart Juniorate in Watertown, WI. for a total of four years. Brother Robert devoted his life to farming and maintenance ministries and served on three continents: Europe (in Rome), South America (in Brazil), and Asia (in Israel). He worked at St. Joseph's Farm in Granger, IN, then on the staff at the Generalate in Rome for seven years. He was a canvasser for the Ave Maria Press for a year, and did maintenance work at Holy Cross Junior College and again at St. Joseph's Novitiate. In 1969, Brother Robert went to the Brazilian missions where he worked in Campinas and Santarem for a total of 27 years. He was called to serve on the staff in Tiberias, Israel, for a year and then returned to Brazil. Robert retired in 1999 and did volunteer work at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, CA, and St. Joseph's Hall at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX. In 2006, he became a resident at Schubert Villa and then at Dujarric House at Notre Dame, IN. Brother Robert brought his cheerful and talented spirit to his work as a farmer, mechanic, handyman and gardener in ministering to others. Brother Robert passed away on October 13th, 2012.
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Fr. Aloysius Blonigan M.I.C (St. Martin)-
Zimbabwe/South Africa
Fr. Aloysius was born April 6th, 1935 to Herman and Magdalena (Fuchs) Blonigen, one of 10 children.
While playing in a polka band with his brothers as he grew up, Father Aloysius Blonigen dreamed of studying music in New York. Yet this St. Martin native said he also felt a calling to be a missionary priest "inside of me since I was an altar server."
Serving in the Mariannhill Mission Society - for 50 years, including 40 years as a priest - has allowed him to accomplish both of these dreams.
His dream to serve the church was the one he chose to pursue first, joining the order in 1955 and becoming a priest in 1965.
Growing up around the many priests, brothers, and nuns in St. Martin inspired him to dedicate his life to God, he said, and he knew that if he became a priest, he would also be a missionary. As a child, he donated pennies to a fund for babies in Africa and resolved to serve the need there.
Before he could, though, this farmboy lived on the family land southwest of St. Martin until age 20 while earning his high school diploma through correspondence.
Father Blonigen then joined the Mariannhill Mission Society, which was founded in Africa and has most of its evangelistic members there, leaving Zion Township in 1955 to attend a seminary in Detroit, Mich.
Travel overseas was next, but not to Africa as a missionary. Instead, he went to Germany for four years to continue his studies in philosophy.
Four additional years studying theology in Indiana prepared Father Blonigen for his ordination in St. Cloud in June 1965 and for his first mass the following Sunday in St. Martin.
Due to back problems from farm work, the newly ordained priest could not travel to Africa, so he was an assistant pastor at a parish in New York. While there, he reached the goal he had given up in favor of priesthood by studying music, earning a degree in music education.
He put it to use teaching in Ohio for seven years before moving to Michigan in 1974, where he spent time as an associate pastor, vocation director, and presenter at marriage enrichment weekends.
Father Blonigen happily realized in 1984 that "every time I gave something up, I got it back." In that year, another dream came true when he left the country to spend a year as a missionary in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Though serving as a missionary overseas had been a reason that he joined the priesthood, the opportunity to do so took so long in coming that he had started to doubt whether he'd ever get the chance to serve in Africa.
Since then, he has studied in Indiana again, spent two more years in South Africa, served as head of the U.S. and Canadian branch of his order, and continued his duties to those exploring vocations in Michigan. Fr. Aloysius passed away on March, 27th, 2006.
Fr. Leroy Maus (Albany) Maracay, Venezuela
Fr. Stanley Weiser (Wheaton) Maracay Venezuela
Fr. Basil Stegman OSB (Bavaria)-Puerto Rico
Fr. (Augustine)
Birth
30 Apr 1893
Death
18 Feb 1981 (aged 87)
Professed: July 19, 1913
Ordained: March 15, 1918
Fr. Adrian Foxxe OSB (IA)-Puerto Rico /Mexico
Rev. Adrian (Robert) was born on February 6th, 1914
- May 12, 1997 Business manager and teacher at the school founded by our abbey in Mexico City (1947-58), he was also the pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Humacao, Puerto Rico, from 1958 to 1959. Returning to the States, he served as associate pastor and pastor of St. Bernard's Church, St. Paul (1959-1960); St. Mary's Mission, Redlake, MN, (1960-65,1973-75); St. Anne's Church, Naytahwaush, MN,(1966-73); Sacred Heart Church, Roseau, MN, (1975-77); St. Ann Church, Waublffi, MN, (1977- 80); and St. Joseph Church, St. Joseph, MN, (1980-81). Father Adrian then began chaplaincy work at St. Gertrude Convent, Cottonwood, ID (1981-85); Holy Trinity Hospital, Graceville, MN (1985-87); and Assumption Home and. JoIm Paul Apartments, Cold Spring, MN (1987-90). His final assignment before his retirement to Saint John's in 1955 was as chaplain of St. Mary's Health Center, Detroit Lakes, MN. (AQ:1996)
Professed: July 11, 1941
Ordained: June 30, 1946
Fr. Odo (Otto) Zimmerman OSB (Pierz)-Mexico
Fr. Odo (John) was born on June 2nd, 1906 to Conrad Anton and Anna (Terhaar) Zimmerman in Pierz. He was one of 10 children.
Professed: July 11, 1927
Ordained: June 5, 1933
Death
7 Jan 1988 (aged 81)
Mexico
Fr. Jordan Stovik OSB (WA)-Puerto Rico
Fr. Jordan (Anthony) was born on October 17, 1914 to Carl and Mary Ann (Braun) Stovik. He was the 5th of 11 children; 10 boys and 1 girl (the youngest); four of the sons were ordained as priests. Fr. Jordan professed on July 11th, 1937 and was ordained on June 6th, 1943. Fr. Jordan served in parish ministry in Minnesota, New York where he was in charge of the Drum and Bugle Corps, Red Lake Reservation and Humacao, Puerto Rico from 1947-1948. Fr. Jordan passed away at the age of 84 on March 28, 1999.
Fr. Rudolf Baumberger OSB (SD)-Puerto Rico
Fr. Rudolph (Mark) was born on November 8th, 1910 to Rudolph Abraham and Mary Agnes (Bowen) Baumberger in a family of 10 children. He made his profession on July 11th, 1937 and was ordained on June 6th, 1943. From 1948-1956, Fr. Rudolph served as a missionary in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Rudolph passed away on February 17th, 2000 at the age of 89.
Fr. Celestine Kapsner OSB (Buckman)-Bahamas
Fr. Celestine (Charles) was born on April 27th, 1892 to John and Mary (Kopka) Kapsner. He was one of 10 children. He attended grade school in Buckman and went to High School and two years of college at St. John's. He entered the novitiate in 1913, professing his vows in July 1914, and ordained by Bishop Busch on June 12th, 1920. While studying himself, Fr. Celestine taught algebra and English at the prep school and served as athletic coach. He later taught Latin, religion and English and was also in charge of the Drum and Bugle Corps in New York. In 1927, he went to the Catholic University and received his M.A in Mission Theology and Education. He returned to St. John's and taught homiletics, catechetics and all religion classes at St. John's and St. Ben's. He went into mission work and conducted missions and retreats for 21 years in 17 states, in five Canadian provinces and in the Bahamas. It is estimated that Fr. Celestine sent out over 45,000 shipments of religious articles, bibles, medals,.. to the people he was connected to in Ghana and Nigeria. Fr. Celestine passed away on January 18th, 1973 at the age of 80.
Fr. Owen TeKippe OSB (IA)-Philippines/Puerto Rico
Fr. Owen (Linus Gregory) was born on December 27th, 1907, to William J. and Mary T. (Drilling) TeKippe in a family of 6 children. He came to St. John's to finish High School and two years pre-divinity before he entered the order in 1928. He made his profession on July 11th, 1929 and was ordained on June 11th, 1935. Fr. Owen received a graduate degree in Physics. He taught physics and mathematics in both high school and college. Fr. Owen began as a missionary in the Philippines in 1940 teaching in San Beda College in Manila. Toward the end of the war, he was captured and taken as a prisoner for two years to Los Banos concentration camp after a two year restriction in the monastery. Fr. Owen was liberated by American forces on February 12th, 1945. Fr. Owen continued in his missionary adventures when he began teaching in Humacao, Puerto Rico in 1951 and he remained in Puerto Rico throughout the remainder of his life. Fr. Owen passed away on September 15th, 1989 at the age of 81.
Fr. Augustine Cornides OSB (Austria)-Puerto Rico
Fr. Augustine (William) was born on September 19th, 1916
Professed: February 3, 1947
Ordained: June 6, 1953
Died: June 16, 1982
1964-1981
Fr. Maurus Simpson OSB (SD) Puerto Rico
Br. Patrick Sullivan OSB (Ivanhoe) Puerto Rico
Fr. Arnold Dittberner OSB (Porter) Puerto Rico
Fr. Burton Bloms OSB (St. Michael)-Puerto Rico/Mexico/Bahamas
Allen Edward was born the third son of Bernard and Clara (Zachman) Bloms in St. Michael, on November 11, 1919. His parents ran the local general store. Allen was only eleven years old when his father died.
Allen was educated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in the local parish until the fifth grade and then transferred to the public school. His two older brothers also entered the Benedictine Order: Father Romuald (Ken) Bloms, OSB (1914-1995), at Saint John's Abbey; and Father John (Norm) Bloms, OSB (1917-1974), at Saint Gregory's Abbey in Oklahoma. Allen became responsible for the finances and purchasing at the Bloms' Store.
Allen was encouraged to attend Saint John's Preparatory School by Father Linus Schieffer, OSB (1895-1981), who helped out in his parish on weekends. In 1933 he entered the Preparatory School and graduated in 1937. After attending two years of college at Saint John's University, he entered the novitiate at Saint John's Abbey where he received the name of Burton. After his first profession as a Benedictine monk on July 11, 1940, Burton finished college and then continued his priesthood studies and was ordained on September 2, 1945.
Father Burton was a history teacher and prefect in the Saint John's Preparatory School from 1942 to 1946. On December 17, 1946, Abbot Alcuin Deutsch, OSB, informed Father Burton that he was being sent to Colegio Tepeyac in Mexico City, Mexico: "Yes, you'll be going, and I dare say, young man, don't think you'll be coming back every year." There he served as principal and teacher, and he introduced American football to the students. As Father Burton proved again and again, he was full of energy and had a gift for moving a vision forward strategically. He built several school buildings and increased the enrollment from 400 to 2,000 students.
After a short sabbatical, Father Burton was sent to Colegio San Antonio Abad in Puerto Rico in 1957 where he was also principal and teacher until 1963. He changed the school from an industrial one into a college preparatory school. Once again he built dormitories and a swimming pool, remodeled the old school, coached sports, and introduced football as well as a summer camp for boys. Before he left his successful work in the school, Colegio San Antonio was united with the Benedictine High School of San Benito of Humacao, which already was co-educational.
A third important assignment came in 1963 when Father Burton was sent to St. Augustine's College in Nassau, Bahamas, replacing Father Frederick Frey, OSB (1907-1963). Here he built a new school, changed the system of studies, and oversaw the building of a library, administration building, new classrooms, kitchen and dining hall, and an athletic building with a swimming pool. Enrollment increased from 174 to 1,000, and the faculty expanded from a dozen to over fifty lay men and women. He established a board of directors and began to do development work in order to expand the educational mission.
Father Burton returned to Puerto Rico from 1966 to1969 to be headmaster at San Antonio Abad. There he built a new dormitory, finished the gym, and taught.
When the Christian Brothers ended their management of Benilde Catholic High School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Father Burton was appointed headmaster for two years in 1970. He began fundraising and welcomed additional monks from Saint John's who assumed the management of the high school.
In 1972 Father Burton was asked to go to the large inner-city parish of St. Anselm's in the Bronx, New York, as pastor. There he created a parking lot to raise money for the poor parish, started bingo, and remodeled the parish school. Then followed pastoral assignments at St. Peter and Paul's Church in Richmond (1976-1979), St. Bernard's Church in St. Paul (1979-1983), and St. Francis Xavier in Lake Park and St. Andrew's parish in Hawley (1984-1985).
In February of 1985 to 1989, Father Burton became chaplain of the Benedictine Sisters at Colegio Guadalupe in Mexico City. As chaplain he organized the alumni of Colegio Tepeyac to establish an orphanage for boys in 1991 called the Fundación Burton Bloms in Tlalpan. Father Burton returned to Minnesota and was chaplain of St. Therese Home in New Hope, Minnesota. He retired to Saint John's Abbey in August of 1998, but continued to do weekend pastoral work at the parishes of Freeport, New Munich and St. Rosa as well as being involved in the Hispanic ministry in Cold Spring until 2004. In gratitude for his service to the youth in many countries, Father Burton received the Lumen Gentium ("Light of the Nations") Award from the Saint John's Preparatory School in November 2003.
Wherever he went, Father Burton was a community builder-a zealous monk, priest, and teacher, a tireless worker for the poor, a visionary of academic excellence for our mission schools-as well as a skilled athlete. Our missions in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas Islands are forever grateful to Father Burton for making them strong academic institutions that continue to provide service to the people of their communities.
Father Burton passed away on May 3, 2010.
Fr. Landelin Robling OSB (Victoria)-Puerto Rico
Marvin Robling was born of Benedict and Freida (Neuman) Robling on a farm in Victoria, Minnesota. He was the oldest of five children and he attended elementary school in Victoria, first in the public school and then in St. Victoria Catholic School run by Benedictine Sisters. The Sisters encouraged him to become a priest. His pastor, Father Ives Beu, OFM, took him for his first visit to Saint John's and brought him to see Abbot Alcuin Deutsch, OSB. He was immediately registered to attend Saint John's Preparatory School in the fall of 1940.
In Victoria, Marvin had not been exposed to as many sports as Saint John's had to offer. He notes in his autobiography that he played all but excelled at none. In May 1945, he made his application for the novitiate and was invested on July 10. He received the name of Landelin. After completing a traditional course of studies for a priesthood student, he was ordained on June 7, 1952, by Bishop Peter W. Bartholome.
Father Landelin began a life-long ministry working with people. His first assignment was as assistant pastor at the Church of Seven Dolors, Albany, Minnesota, from 1952 to 1958.
Abbot Baldwin Dworschak, OSB, sent Landelin to our mission in Puerto Rico, Antonio Abad. Landelin taught English and Latin at the Colegio Antonio Abad, in Humacao, for a year and then became pastor of the large Humacao parish of Dulce for seventeen years from 1959 to 1976. While pastor he built little churches in the country and started a Newman Club in the regional college of the University of Puerto Rico. From 1976 to 1979 he served as prior of the monastery of San Antonio Abad and was principal of the school for a year.
After twenty-one years in the missions, Father Landelin returned to Saint John's for a three-month sabbatical and entered a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at Metropolitan Medical Center in Minneapolis. He became associate pastor at St. Augustine Parish in St. Cloud for two years and then served for three years at St. Boniface Parish in Hastings, Minnesota. He was made pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Richmond in 1985. In 1991 Landelin had quintuple bypass surgery. After recovery, he became pastor of St. Martin's Church, St. Martin, and Immaculate Conception Church, New Munich, in 1992.
In 1997 Father Landelin was named parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Hastings until 2001. Upon returning to the abbey he was appointed Guestmaster. Additionally he worked many weekends with a parish renewal program called "Koinoia," and served as chaplain to the retired and elderly Benedictine sisters at St. Scholastica Convent, St. Cloud.
Father Landelin, ever gracious and gentle, served people in all their needs: for education, consolation, prayer and ritual. Father Landelin said: "I am a priest. That's my being — being of service to others, being there for people, helping them to discover who they are." In 1992 Abbot Jerome Theisen, OSB, used a litany of adjectives to describe Father Landelin's pastoral style on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of ordination: "Kind, friendly, prayerful, warm-hearted, caring, nurturing, conscientious, dedicated, dependable, and serious."
Father Landelin passed away on July 15, 2006, within four days of renewing his vows on the 60th anniversary of his profession.
(Fr.) Gerald Skjolsvik OSB (Minneapolis) Puerto Rico
Br. Otto Thole OSB (Moorehead) Puerto Rico
Br. Placid Stuckenschneider OSB (IA)-Puerto Rico/Mexico
Lawrence was the second son born to August and Agnes (Hajek) Stuckenschneider on May 19, 1926, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The family moved to Great Falls, Montana, before he began attending elementary school there. He continued his education in Great Falls and graduated from high school in 1944. In September he was drafted into the US Army as a combat rifleman. He served in the Philippines during the last great campaign of the war that liberated the Philippine island of Mindanao from the Japanese.
For another six months after the end of the war, "Stucky" succeeded Bill Keane in Tokyo, cartooning for Pacific Stars and Stripes. He specialized in cartoons that offered wry commentary on life in Japan during the Occupation. After discharge from the Army, Lawrence returned to Great Falls for a year, and then enrolled at Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. He found quite a few former GIs there who, like himself, were seeking professional training.
Intrigued by an advertisement for the Salvatorian Brothers, Lawrence wrote to several religious communities with Brothers. Abbot Alcuin Deutsch OSB responded with a personal invitation for him to visit Collegeville. He stopped at the monastery when hitchhiking home to Montana from Milwaukee. A gracious reception by the monks led him to enter Saint John's Abbey in September of 1948. Abbot Alcuin gave Lawrence the religious name of Placid. He made first vows in 1950. Brother Placid was an industrious and capable worker finding employment in the garden, the forest, the green house, the barns, and the butcher shop. He also did some work in the Art Department of Saint John's University.
Brother Placid was assigned from 1951 to 1956 to the Red Lake Indian Reservation where he served as bus driver, teacher of both Shop and Catechetics while helping with general farm and maintenance work. Placid returned in 1956 to work in the US Post Office on campus. In 1958, he began part-time work as an artist at Liturgical Press. Eventually art became the prime focus of his life although he continued to work in the Porter's Office, drive the coal truck, and maintain the abbey's cars.
Brother Placid began full time work at the Liturgical Press around 1965 as its primary illustrator. He designed layout and jackets for dozens of books, and produced hundreds of illustrations. His work appeared in the Bible and Liturgy Bulletin for 41 years. He spent 1970 on assignment in Puerto Rico while continuing to work for Liturgical Press by mail. Brother Placid employed a wide variety of media that included pen and wash, collage, watercolor, welded metal, wooden sculpture and photography.
After the Second Vatican Council, he accepted invitations from many parishes in the Upper Midwest to serve as a liturgical consultant. Parishes were renovating church sanctuaries and their furnishings. For eleven years he also provided art once a month for the diocesan newspaper, The St. Cloud Visitor.
Besides his time at Layton School of Art, Brother Placid also studied at the University of Notre Dame, the Blackhawk Mountain School of Art in Colorado, and the Sagrada Art Studio in Albuquerque. In 1974, at the Instituto San Miquel de Allende in Guanajusto, Mexico, he created depictions of St. Francis of Rome and St. Augustine of Hippo for chapels on the lower level of the abbey church.
The St. Bernadette Institute of Sacred Art recognized Brother Placid as "Pioneer Artist in the Field of American Liturgical Art" when it chose him to become the 2006 Laureate of the Mother Teresa Award.
A special project dear to his heart has only recently been completed. The publication, less than a month before his death, of his lavishly illustrated, autobiographical work, Soldier, Artist, Monk, brought Brother Placid much joy and a sense of accomplishment. He said the title was suggested by the influential Catholic publisher, Michael Glazier. The book is divided into three sections: Montana (rural life during the Great Depression); the end of WW II (Mindanao and Tokyo); and monastic life (spiritual and artistic).
Thousands of Catholics remember Brother Placid's sacred art from the weekly bulletin for parishes, Missalette covers, and the many drawings and illustrations he produced. Four books of his clip art are still in print. Placid's style is highly recognizable and always firmly rooted in Scripture and the liturgy.
Brother Placid passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2007.
Br. Francis Peters OSB (Monticello)-Tokyo/Philippines/Bahamas
George Francis Peters was born on January 30, 1923, to George and Clothilde (Brouillard) Peters in Monticello, Minnesota. His father worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company and his mother was a homemaker. He was an only child and attended the local public school and graduated from Monticello High School in 1942.
George came to Saint John's on July 1, 1942, and immediately he began working in the greenhouse as well as working in the business office for the abbey and university. George entered the novitiate on March 20, 1943, and received the name of Francis. After the novitiate he made his first vows as a Benedictine monk on the feast of Saint Benedict, March 21, 1944. Then he began a career of working in the duplicating and print shop operating the multilith machine for 28 years.
Over many years, the longtime love of Brother Francis was working on the abbey grounds and in the greenhouse where he was director for two years from 1960-1962. His love of floral beauty continued throughout his life. Summer after summer, in the private monastic garden located between the quadrangle building and Lake Sagatagan, he planted and protected a colorful assortment of roses, geraniums, impatiens, salvia, lilies, ivy, ferns, coleus, and dusty miller. He waged persistent battle against marauding squirrels, rabbits, and deer that preferred the tender shoots of his flowers.
Brother Francis did not spend all his time here at the abbey but was a missionary in the abbey's mission in San Antonio Abad Monastery Humacao, Puerto Rico (1971-1972 and 1974-1975), and one year in Saint Augustine's Monastery, Nassau, Bahamas (1984-1985). In 1985 he began his second career working in the Alcuin Library part-time where he processed books for the shelves and part-time in the Abbey Tailor Shop using the pressing machine, adding the finishing touches to laundered trousers and monastic habits.
Brother Francis passed away on September 17, 2009.
Br. Michael Laux OSB (WI)-Puerto Rico
Robert Laux was born on June 7, 1928, in Menasha, Wisconsin, to Alexander and Apolonia (Hardt) Laux. He was the fourth of five children in a family that was devoted to service in the church and religious life. His oldest brother Harold married, but his brother Donald became a priest and two sisters, Marie and Michael Marie, professed vows with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Robert attended St. Mary's elementary and secondary schools in Menasha where he earned a high school diploma in 1946.
The associate pastor at his parish, Father Richert, spoke to Robert about Saint John's Abbey. Robert arrived for his first visit on September 1, 1946. He liked what he saw, and he entered the novitiate in March 1947. Abbot Alcuin Deutsch OSB gave him the religious name of Michael. Brother Michael professed first vows as a Benedictine monk on April 6, 1948.
Brother Michael's first job as a candidate had taken him to the paint shop. In the novitiate, he began work in the garden and greenhouse. In 1954 Brother Michael was assigned to Saint Mary's Red Lake Mission where he helped in numerous and various ways for over 20 years. For a two-year assignment, he was sent in 1972 to serve as a prefect in the school at San Antonio Abad in Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Brother Michael's six foot two inch height made him a natural choice for the position of security officer at Saint John's University when the office became vacant in 1975. Michael advanced to become the first Director of Life Safety Services for the university, serving from 1980 to 1992. As is usual with such a position, he was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff of Stearns County.
From 1992 to 2004 Brother Michael served as the transportation director for both the Saint John's Health Services and for the abbey's Saint Raphael Hall, the retirement center.
Always fond of the outdoors, Brother Michael loved to visit and work at our cabins in northern Minnesota. He enjoyed observing wildlife, and he offered generous hospitality daily to the many guests who visited the bird feeder at the window of his room. He was an avid Ham radio operator.
Brother Michael passed away on Friday, February 9, 2007.
Fr. Neal Lawrence OSB (TN) Japan
Fr. Abbot Placid Reitmeier OSB (Richmond) Mexico
Fr. Herman A. Wind OSB (St. Paul) Bahamas
Fr. Chrysostom Schreiner OSB (Jordan) Bahamas
Bishop John Bernard Kevenhoerster OSB (Germany) Bahamas
Bishop Paul Leonard Hagarty OSB (IA) Bahamas
Br. Philip Heitkemper OSB (Slovakia) Mexico
Fr. Denis Parnell OSB (WI) Bahamas
Fr. Conan Mawhorr OSB (OH) Japan
Sr. Adelaide Terhaar OSB (Pierz)-Puerto Rico
Sr. Adelaide was born on Jan. 24th, 1884. Sr. Adelaide was the seventh of 14 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Terhaar. She entered St. Benedict's Convent in September 1903 and pronounced her vows on July 11, 1905. Elementary school teaching on the intermediate and upper grade level was Sr. Adelaide's contribution to the apostolic works of the church and the Benedictine community. She served in a number of schools in Minnesota and was one of the original group of nuns chosen to pioneer a Benedictine establishment in Humacao, Puerto Rico, in 1948.
Sr. Adelaide died at St. Benedict's Convent at the age of 94 on Nov. 29. 1978.
Sr. Anne Malerich OSB (Minneapolis)-
El Salvador/Puerto Rico
Sr. Anne was born September 15th, 1926 to Joseph and Phyllis (Coles) Malerich in Minneapolis in a family with 3 siblings. Anne entered St. Benedict's Monastery on September 13th, 1944 and was received into the novitiate on June 21st, 1945; made her first monastic profession on July 11th, 1946 and perpetual monastic profession on July 11th, 1949. Sr. Anne received many degrees through her studies in mathematics, philosophy, chemistry, music theory, education. She completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education and was a certified pastoral associate. Teaching was Sr. Anne's first ministry. She taught in elementary schools in Minnesota and Montana as well as secondary schools such as Cathedral High School. Sr. Anne also served in Puerto Rico as a teacher, religious education consultant and in parish ministry. Sr. Anne also served as hospital chaplain in two local hospitals and one in Utah. A woman of many gifts, Sr. Anne worked with refugees in Arizona and Texas and with the local Hispanic community. She was involved with the Sanctuary Movement, Sister City Project and Partners Across Borders. Sr. Anne passed away on October 27th, 2019 at the age of 93.
(Sr.) Dorothy Doerner (St. Cloud)-Bahamas/Puerto Rico
Dorothy was born March 12th, 1930 in St. Cloud MN to Frank Joseph & Gertrude Elizabeth (Trainor) Doerner into a family of 8 children. Dorothy grew up in St. Cloud and graduated from St. Benedict High school in St. Joseph in 1948. She spent 32 years with them in their shared mission of teaching. She taught in Pearl Lake & Benton County MN, Puerto Rico & the Bahamas. Following her teaching adventures, she moved to California and worked at an Ace Hardware for 10 happy years and following that, she spent 5 years driving a local bus route in East Bay, CA. Dorothy's final home address was in southwestern South Dakota where she lived in and around Hot Springs. Her travels also took her to places like India, Ireland, the Netherlands and South America. Dorothy was a generous disciple, friend, mentor, servant and adopted grandma to anyone she encountered. She was always looking for a project to tackle or someone she could bring cheer to. Her singing career started off at a young age, taking on the duties of the choir for her brother Frankie when he was playing Mass at their home in St. Cloud; their mother was in charge of ringing the bells. Dorothy loved to sing bold marches and hymns or just whimsical songs with children. Music raised your spirit towards Christ she would always reason. Dorothy had a long term committed relationship with Jesus Christ. She spent many hours in conversation with him and yearned to be united with him in the Eucharist. This bond of love she had with Him flowed throughout her other relationships and she wanted nothing more than to have others know the joy and love Christ brought to the world through his incarnation. Dorothy passed away on May 7th, 2020 at the age of 90.
Sr. Agnes Herwers OSB (Buckman) Puerto Rico
Sr. Dalene Schindler OSB (St. Joseph)-Puerto Rico
Marie Schindler was born February 22, 1921, to Henry C. and Theresia A. (Reischl) in St. Joseph. She attended the district public school on Avon Route for three years and St. Joseph School for grades 4-8. Marie was employed at Saint Benedict's Monastery from 1937 to 1941 and then worked for two families in St. Paul for three years. She entered Saint Benedict's Monastery on October 29, 1944, was received into the novitiate June 21, 1945, taking the name Sister Dalene, made her first monastic profession on July 11, 1946, and perpetual monastic profession on July 11, 1949. S. Dalene received her high school equivalency at Vocational Technical High School through Cathedral High School, St. Cloud. She served for many years as a homemaker and held several qualifications in this field. She earned her certification in cooking by completing the program Principles of Quantity Food Production from St. Paul Area Technical-Vocational Institute, was a member of the Hospital Institutional Educational Food Service Society (HIEFSS) and completed the Clothing Production Basic Tailoring Class through the College of Saint Benedict.
Much of S. Dalene's ministry was in food service. She cooked and made wedding cakes at Saint Benedict's Monastery; was cook at St. Joseph's, Minneapolis; the only baker (1958-1963) and food service supervisor (1967-1976) at St. Raphael's Nursing Home, St. Cloud; and was supervisor of the boys' school and monastery kitchen at Monasterio San Antonio Abad, Humacao, Puerto Rico (1963-1967). In 1976, she had a change of ministry, moving into tailoring and becoming supervisor of the sewing room at Saint Benedict's Monastery, a position she held for more than 20 years. When the sewing room closed, she spent more time engaged as an artisan, although she still helped with sewing. S. Dalene's hand-sewn dolls, tatting, embroidery and crochet were much sought after items at Monastic Enterprise's spring and holiday sales. Sister Dalene passed away on July 7th, 2017 at the age of 96.
Sr. Therese Lodermeier OSB (St. Joseph)-Bahamas
Theresa was the youngest child of Michael and Sophia Rose (Roeder) Lodermeier. She was born in St. Joseph, Minn., where she attended St. Joseph Grade School and Saint Benedict's High School. On September 12, 1951, she entered Saint Benedict's Monastery, was received into the novitiate as Sister Trinita on June 18, 1952, made first monastic profession on July 11, 1953, and perpetual monastic profession on July 11, 1956. A graduate of the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, S. Theresa received a bachelor's degree in elementary education with minors in English and philosophy. She also attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn., St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, an institute for RCIA at Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minn., and received a certificate of ministry from the College of Saint Benedict. S. Theresa served as an elementary school teacher at St. Paul's School, St. Cloud, and as teacher and principal at St. John the Baptist in Collegeville. She was teacher, principal and religious education coordinator in the Bahamas at Nassau and Grand Bahamas, where she spent 11 years. Returning to Saint Benedict's Monastery, she taught at Saints Peter and Paul Middle School in St. Cloud and taught religion at John XXIII /Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. She was director of religious education at Holy Family Parish in Belle Prairie, Minn., community life coordinator at St. Raphael's Convent, St. Cloud, took a spiritual renewal program and later opened St. Sophia House of Prayer in Hampton, Minn., and served as coordinator of religious education at St. Pius V Parish in Cannon Falls, Minn. For several years, S. Theresa served at St. Mary's Mission in Red Lake, Minn., followed by ministry in the gardens, physical plant, housekeeping and transportation at Saint Benedict's Monastery. Sr. Theresa passed away on October 29th, 2023 at the age of 90.
Sr. Petronia Goedert OSB (St. Cloud) Puerto Rico
Sr. Catherine B. Ludwig OSB (Avon)-Puerto Rico
S. Catherine was born to Peter and Barbara (Mergen) Ludwig on July 16th, 1928, near Avon, Minn.; the 6th child in a family of 15. Later her family moved to a farm near Lake Henry. On June 20th, 1951, she was received into the novitiate as S. Loretta and on July 11th, 1952, she professed first monastic vows; on July 11th, 1955, she made her perpetual monastic profession. She celebrated her 50th anniversary as a Benedictine Sister in 2002. S. Catherine received a B.A. in elementary education from the College of Saint Benedict, an M.S. in education from St. Cloud State University and a master's degree in religious education from Seattle University, Wash. Sr. Catherine soon found the joy of teaching in her over 30 years in education. Later, she was also a certified nurse's aide. She ministered in elementary education and religious education from 1952-1984 at St. Mary's, St. Cloud; St. Augusta, St. Cloud; Red Lake, Browerville, Lastrup, Breckenridge, White Earth, Ponsford, Waubun, Ogema, Bejou, Sauk Rapids, Excelsior and Puerto Rico. From 1984-1993, she assisted with health care at St. Raphael's Convent. She served at Saint Benedict's Monastery as a receptionist from 1993-2002 at which time, due to failing health, she retired to Saint Scholastica Convent. Sr. Catherine passed away on May 4th, 2006 at the age of 77.
Sr. Idamarie Primus OSB (St. Cloud) Puerto Rico
Sr. Mary (Hilaire) Degel OSB (Austria) Puerto Rico
Sr. Loretta Rothstein OSB (Richmond) Bahamas
Sr. Rebecca Schmidt OSB (Randall)-Puerto Rico
Sister Rebecca (Blanche) was born October 13, 1919, to Edmund and Anna (Piekarski) Schmidt in Randall, Minn. She entered Saint Benedict's Monastery on August 27, 1939, was received into the novitiate July 2, 1940, made first profession on July 11, 1941, and perpetual monastic profession on July 11, 1944. She celebrated her Golden Jubilee on June 9, 1991, and 60 year jubilee in 2001. Sister Rebecca received a B.S. degree in pharmacy from the Fordham University of Pharmacy in New York, and became a registered pharmacist. She completed an LPN program at Saint Cloud Area Vocational Technical College and was licensed as a practical nurse (LPN). She also studied at the College of Saint Benedict and continued her education through workshops and conferences.
Sister Rebecca served at Saint Benedict's Hospital in Ogden, Utah, and Saint Cloud Hospital in Saint Cloud, Minn., as pharmacist and pharmacology instructor. In Puerto Rico, she served as a pharmacist and LPN. She served in clinics there and was a visiting nurse in the homes, especially of the poor. She returned to Saint Cloud and served as health coordinator at Saint Raphael's Home, Saint Cloud. Sister Rebecca worked as hospice coordinator at Saint Benedict Senior Community and as assistant director of nursing at Saint Scholastica Convent, Saint Cloud. Besides assisting the retired Sisters in many ways, she was librarian and, in her final years of life, her ministry was one of prayer and community living. Sister Rebecca passed away on March 9th, 2013 at the age of 94.
Sr. Vestina Bursken OSB (St. Martin) China
Sr. Theodora Nelson OSB (WI) Puerto Rico
Sr. Nivard Neft OSB (Shooks, MN) Puerto Rico
Sr. Mary Ann Henn OSB (Frazee) Puerto Rico & Mexico
Sr. Aaronette Herzog OSB (St. Rosa) Puerto Rico
Sr. Francella Janson OSB (Luxemburg)-Puerto Rico
Sr. Francella was born in Luxemburg, Mn to Joseph & Helen (Betz) Janson on June 25th 1922. She entered St. Benedict's Monastery on June 22nd 1943 and made her perpetual profession on July 11th 1947. She attended the Diocesan Teachers College in St. Paul, MN and graduated from the College of St. Benedict w/ a B.A in elementary education. For 37 years, S. Francella taught in parish grade schools in White Earth , Minneapolis and St. Augusta MN and Humacao, Puerto Rico. For 22 of those years, she also was the principal of the grade school. She then returned to St. Benedict's and worked both in the business office and then went on to teach grades 5 & 6 in Luxemburg. Returning to Saint Benedicts, she did secretarial work for the next 17 years. Sr. Francella passed away on May 25th, 2005 at the age of 82.
Sr. Harvette Hockert OSB (Freeport) Bahamas
Sr. Monique Valville OSB (Haiti) Bahamas
Sr. Marie Brang OSB (Meire Grove) Bahamas
Sr. Norita Lanners OSB (St. Leo, MN) Bahamas
Sr. Angelo Haspert OSB (ND) Bahamas
Sr. Carol Virnig OSF (Little Falls)-Peru/Bolivia
Sister Carol was born on December 16, 1944, in Little Falls, Minn. She was the third of seven children born to the late Paul and Lucy (Pauser) Virnig. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on July 31, 1964. She made her first profession of vows on June 13, 1966, and final vows on June 13, 1969. She grew up on a farm near Little Falls and enjoyed the activities of farm life and nature around her. She particularly liked berry-picking, fishing, and winter sports.
Sister Carol attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Little Falls. Her first grade was in the Antler Hotel where the priest’s house and convent stand today. She graduated from St. Francis High School in 1963. As a junior, she began to work weekends and summers at St. Otto’s Home as a nursing assistant. Sister Ramona Johnson, a cousin, was the administrator and inspired Carol with the mission slogan, “To Peru in ’62!” that the Franciscan Sisters coined about a dream of serving in South America by 1962.
Sister Carol earned a licensed practical nurse diploma from St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in pastoral administration/leadership from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Tex.
She ministered as a nurse aide, licensed practical nurse, pastoral minister, pastoral assistant, health and Hispanic minister and co-pastor. Over the years, she served in Yunguyo, Peru; Coroico, Bolivia; Chimayo, N. Mex.; Little Falls, Sauk Centre, Onamia, St. Paul and Waite Park, Minn. Ministering as nurse and pastoral worker, she became keenly aware of the reality of poverty, injustices and oppression.
Shortly after taking her final vows, she served the Franciscan Sisters as the director of retirement and rehabilitation and developed a comprehensive personal enrichment program for the sisters. In later years, she offered her services as vocation director.
She returned to the States in 2002 and began her work as the Hispanic and health minister of the St. Cloud/Waite Park areas. This ministry extended to the 12 parishes of the St. Cloud area, where her top priority was the formation of lay leadership.
Sister Carol’s energetic, positive, loving approach and her enthusiasm for life endeared her to others. She appreciated the deep faith of the poor, joy in simple living and felt a deep solidarity as a religious sister with the poor and oppressed of the world. Sr. Carol passed away April 20th, 2024.
(Br.) Joel (Richard) Blekum OSB (WI) Puerto Rico
Sr. Adella Gross OSF (Pierz)-Peru
The third of four children of Peter and Anna (Weidenbach) Gross, she was born Dec. 9th, 1930, in Little Falls. She grew up in Pierz and attended St. Joseph School in Pierz and St. Francis High School in Little Falls. She joined the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls in 1947. She was a Franciscan Sister for 77 years.
Following her profession of vows, Sister Adella served as an educator, parish minister, missionary and coordinator in various parts of the country and Latin America.
She had a keen interest in and desire to serve those less fortunate or those in situations of injustice or exploitation. She worked on behalf of economic justice and human rights for a variety of groups but had a special love for migrant farm workers. She coordinated Ministry to Migrants and Itinerant People for many years at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She also came to know and love families who worked in the circus and coordinated the publishing of a catechetical resource for those in the circus. Sr. Adella passed away on February 17th, 2025 at 94.
Fr. Melchior Bahner OSB (St. Cloud) Bahamas
Fr. Finton Bromenschenkel OSB (Sauk Centre) Bahamas
Fr. Silvan Bromenschenkel OSB (Sauk Centre) Bahamas
Fr. Clement Burns OSB (St. Cloud) Bahamas & Puerto Rico
Fr. Alto Butkowski OSB (St. Rosa) Bahamas
Fr. Hyacinth Cismowski OSB (Gilman) Bahamas
Fr. Bonaventure Hansen OSB (Luxemburg) Bahamas
Fr. Nicholas Kremer OSB (St. Nicholas) Bahamas
Fr. Barnabus Laubach OSB (Melrose) Mexico
Fr. Marcellus Leisen OSB (St. Cloud) Mexico
Fr. Bernard Lutgen OSB (St. Nicholas) Puerto Rico
Fr. Arnold Mondloch OSB (St. Martin) Bahamas
Fr. Malachy Murphy OSB (Melrose) Bahamas & Mexico
Fr. Benedict Nordick OSB (Kent) Bahamas & Puerto Rico
Br. Dunstan Nordick OSB (Kent) Mexico & Puerto Rico
Fr. Cornelius Osendorf OSB (Richmond) Bahamas
Fr. Marcian Peters OSB (Cold Spring) Bahamas
Fr. Berthold Ricker OSB (Freeport) Mexico
Fr. Julian Schmiesing OSB (Meire Grove) Puerto Rico
Fr. Ferdinand Schreifels OSB (Cold Spring) Bahamas
Fr. Rupert Schreifels OSB (Cold Spring)-Puerto Rico
Rupert (Mark) Schreifels, was born February 25, 1910 to William and Agnes (Zimmermann) Schreifels. He was the fourth child in a family of twelve; 7 boys and 5 girls. He did his highschool, college and seminary studies at St. John's and entered the seminary on July 11th, 1931. He was ordained June 9th, 1940 and served in pastoral ministry for over 40 years. Fr. Rupert was a missionary in Puerto Rico for 15 years. Upon his return to the States he served as a hospital chaplain until his retirement. Fr. Rupert passed away on November 12th, 1984.
Fr. Julian Simon OSB (Jacobs Prairie)-Puerto Rico
Clarence Simon was born on Oct. 21st, 1912 in Jacobs Prairie, Minnesota, to Frank and Helena (Stock) Simon. Father Julian was the eldest of twelve children – 9 brothers and 3 sisters – and worked on the family farm in Minnesota. At the age of 27, Julian Simon was a student at St. John's University in Collegeville, Stearns County, Minnesota. He professed on July 11th, 1939 and was ordained on January 27th, 1945. Fr. Julian Simon was one of the first two monks from Saint John's to arrive in Puerto Rico on July 1st, 1947 in response to a unique invitation to found a school for poor boys in the Humacao and Yabucoa districts. His last fifty-one years were spent as a Benedictine Monk at the school, known as Escuela San Antonio Abad, which opened in September 1950.
Fr. Julian passed away on July 12th, 1998 in the Abbey of San Antonio Abad in Humacoa, Puerto Rico and is buried in the private cemetery on the property.
Fr. Benjamin Stein OSB (Cold Spring)-Bahamas
Benjamin Stein was born to Frederick and Barbara (Muggli) Stein in 1910. He had 13 siblings; 9 brothers and 4 sisters. Two days after his first monastic vows he began to work in the library at St. John's University. There he maintained his service to the community for the next half century. He was one of the individuals who helped to spearhead the design and construction of the Alcuin Library. Moving from the quiet of the library, he also moved to the stillness and quiet of the neighboring lakes to fish. When he retired from the library at the age of 71, he volunteered for service in the Bahamas where he ministered as Guest Master, Librarian, Archivist and weekend Pastoral Associate. Fr. Benjamin took great joy in his ministry to almost all of the mission churches of the Bahamian chain. He added these more than 120 parishes to his list of the 145 churches of the Diocese of St. Cloud which he served on the weekends during his 64 years of his priesthood. Fr. Benjamin was blessed with great energy, a mixture of gentleness and kindness with directness and softness. His sense of humor was quick and there was a conspicuous twinkle in his eye.
Fr. Benjamin passed away on November 20th, 2000.
Fr. Everardo Stueber OSB (Buckman)-Mexico/Puerto Rico
Henry Everardo Stueber was born on June 15th, 1914 in Buckman, to Henry and Margaret (Ries) Stueber. He was one of six children.
Professed: July 11, 1940
Ordained: September 2, 1945
Fr. Henry passed away in Mexico on October 1st, 2001.
Br. Nicholas Thelen OSB (St. Cloud) Japan
Claude Nicholas Thelen was born in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, on December 8, 1929, the sixth of seven children of Nicholas and Gertrude (Mohs) Thelen. He attended elementary school at Holy Angels parish school in Saint Cloud from 1936–44. Claude graduated from Cathedral High School in Saint Cloud in 1948. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and was stationed on Okinawa during the Korean War from 1952–54. Upon returning to civilian life after the war, he was employed as a granite draftsman and pursued courses in photography and commercial art and design. Claude entered the novitiate at Saint John’s Abbey in 1957. His first profession as a Benedictine monk was made in 1959, when he took his monastic name, Nicholas (after St. Nicholas of Tolentine). He had various work assignments at Saint John’s in these early years, from 1958 through 1962, including woodworking and plumbing. He engaged his creativity both in photography and in woodcarving such artifacts as crucifixes, shrines, and plaques. He gained recognition among his confreres for his skill at cutting hair as one of the regular abbey barbers. He also served as an attendant in the abbey porter’s office. From 1962 through 1965 Br. Nicholas was stationed at St. Maur’s (later, St. Mark’s) Priory in South Union, Kentucky, where he worked in food service. After returning to Saint John’s in 1965, he served as an attendant at the Saint John’s Abbey and University Information Center as well as in the SJU Audiovisual Department. Several years later, in 1970, Br. Nicholas traveled to Tokyo, Japan, where he was maintenance supervisor at St. Anselm’s Priory. Besides concentrating on major projects there including the repair of the roof of the church and the installation of two large glass windows in the west wall of the balcony, he also managed audiovisual projects and took over some of the kitchen duties, where he was appreciated for the delicious meals he prepared. With some local help, Br. Nicholas also took on the task of assembling chairs and benches sent from Saint John’s, pieces of furniture crafted from wood from the Abbey forest. His skilled, deliberate competence and workmanship were evident in every task he undertook. In addition to all the manual labor, Br. Nicholas offered Bible-study classes and private English lessons to the local Japanese residents in Tokyo and was an adviser to STAIFA, St. Anselm’s International Friendship Association. One of his hobbies was calligraphy. He was affectionately dubbed “night prior” by some of his confreres at St. Anselm’s Priory, since he was responsible for closing everything up at night. When the Saint John’s Benedictines left St. Anselm’s in Tokyo in 1999, he took his skills to the newly established Holy Trinity Benedictine Monastery in Fujimi. Earlier in his monastic life, one of Br. Nicholas’s confreres glowingly commented: “I deeply admire the way in which he has given himself so thoroughly to his religious vocation. His faithfulness in striving for a spirit of quiet and recollection coupled with his faithfully conforming to the monastic schedule of prayer and reading and work is a most edifying influence to the other brothers.” As a tribute to his 38 years of work in Japan, then-Prior Roman Paur, OSB, in 2008 wrote regarding Br. Nicholas: “We are profoundly grateful for this humble confrere who has demonstrated to the people of Japan the hospitality and ministry of our Benedictine community.” In 2008 Br. Nicholas returned from Japan to Saint John’s Abbey because of declining health and serious medical problems. Brother Nicholas passed away on Saturday, June 27th, 2015.
Br. Stephen Thell OSB (St. Anthony)-Mexico/Puerto Rico
Stephen Thell was born on October 12th, 1909 to John and Kathrine (Fichtinger) Thell in Saint Anthony, Minnesota. He was one of 9 children. Br. Stephen passed away on December 31st, 1996.
Fr. Thomas Wahl OSB (St. Cloud)-Japan
Thomas Peter Wahl was the youngest of four children of Arthur Lewis and Romana Priscilla (Seberger) Wahl in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, born on November 23, 1931. His father was a building contractor (including a number of campus buildings), and his mother was a homemaker. Thomas graduated from Cathedral High School in 1949. He received a BA from Saint John’s University in 1954 with a double major in philosophy and modern languages. He made his solemn profession as a monk of Saint John’s Abbey in 1955, completed his priesthood studies at Saint John’s Seminary, and was ordained in 1958. Father Thomas’ continuing education included two pontifical degrees: an STL in 1959 from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in biblical studies; and the SSL from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, concentrating on the Book of Psalms, in 1967. In line with his interest in languages, the requisite Greek, Latin, and Hebrew for Scripture study, Father Thomas had command of French, German, and Italian. Further Old Testament studies culminated in a PhD in 1976 from the Union Theological Seminary in New York. The title of his scholarly dissertation, “On Strophic Structure in Individual Laments of Psalms, Books I and II,” showed his abiding fascination with praying the psalms in the liturgy of the Church.Beyond his academic achievements, Father Thomas served as associate pastor at Saint Bernard’s parish in Saint Paul from 1959 to 1961 and at Saint Boniface parish in Minneapolis from 1961 to 1964. Father Thomas’ ongoing career was marked by academic initiatives and pastoral service. He taught Hebrew and the Old Testament at Saint John’s School of Theology from 1967 through 1990, attaining the rank of associate professor. He participated in a clinical pastoral education (CPE) program at Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1986, and then again at Methodist Hospital in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, in 1987. An especially notable achievement of Father Thomas was founding the Saint John’s University School of Theology Jerusalem Studies Program in Israel in 1974. He also served as a team chaplain at Saint Benedict’s Monastery in Saint Joseph in 1989.Following a sabbatical year in 1993 at Saint Anselm’s Priory and Parish in Tokyo, Japan, a foundation of Saint John’s Abbey in 1947 that relocated to Fujimi in 1999 and renamed Trinity Benedictine Monastery, Father Thomas began a twenty-five year commitment of pastoral ministry in Japanese and English among the international faithful in Japan, fulfilling a hope earlier after his ordination, where he served as prior in 2002 to 2005. He also taught Hebrew upon request and served as a spiritual advisor. Father Thomas wrote two books, including How Jesus Came, Pueblo Publishing, 1981, and The Lord’s Song in a Foreign Land, Liturgical Press, 1993. He also translated from the Italian, Romano Penna’s two-volume Paul the Apostle: Jew and Greek Alike, Michael Glazer Books, 1996.Father Thomas loved baking a variety of breads, especially sourdough, and enjoyed cooking and gardening. He was a novice in the art of painting Icons and became an accomplished calligrapher. Father Thomas was conscious of healthy cooking, eating, and gardening, was a distance bicyclist, and avid walker. He was very concerned about the well-being of the planet and promoted recycling. Father Thomas had a very playful and inviting personality, always welcoming people with a big smile, easy conversation, and exchange of ideas.
Father Thomas died on July 4, 2025,
Fr. Bernard Watrin OSB (Bluffton) Puerto Rico
Fr. George Wolf OSB (Rockville)-Bahamas
Vincent John Wolf was born in Rockville, Minnesota, to Joseph and Katherine (Knipple) Wolf on March 15, 1916. He grew up with one sister, Margaret, who predeceased him in 1974. Vincent went to elementary school at Holy Cross School in Pearl Lake, Minnesota, from 1922 to 1929, except for a year at McGregor, Minnesota, and a half-year in Minneapolis. He spent his freshman year at Fairmont High School and completed his high school education at Saint John's Preparatory in 1935. Vincent continued at Saint John's University, and after two years of college entered the novitiate of Saint John's Abbey in 1937, receiving the name George. George made his first profession of vows as a Benedictine monk on July 11, 1938. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Saint John's University in 1940, began his theological studies for the priesthood, and was ordained a priest on June 4, 1944.In July 1944, Father George began his nearly lifelong ministry and commitment to the people of the Bahama Islands where he served indefatigably until he returned to Saint John's in March of 2006. During his 62 years in the Bahamas, he was totally involved in pastoral ministry, but at the same time was a staunch promoter of Saint Augustine's Monastery and the academic excellence of Saint Augustine's College.Father George's first assignment in the islands was as assistant pastor at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Nassau and then as pastor at St. Anselm's Church, Fox Hill (1944-1948), and then as pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Nassau (1948-1961). During these years he was also able to make regular pastoral visits to St. Teresa's church, Georgetown.Father George had a special talent for overseeing the construction of churches, schools and convents with limited funds. In 1950, he was appointed business manager in charge of all the diocese's buildings. He was responsible for the building of many churches and schools still in use today: Sacred Heart School (1952), Xavier Lower School (1954), St. Thomas More School and Church (1955), St. Cecilia's School and Church, Aquinas College, St. Bede's School, and additions to St. Joseph's Church and St. Anselm's School, St. Theresa Church and Holy Name School, Convent and Rectory (1960).In 1965, Father George became pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls, in New Providence. From 1969-1971 he was pastor of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. From 1972-1991 he served as business manager of Saint Augustine's College and Monastery, but during these years remained pastor of Holy Family Church (1972-1973), rector of the cathedral (1974-1978), pastor of the churches of North Eleuthera (five missions) and Harbor Island (1978-1987). He managed this by leaving his business office for pastoral assignments every Friday afternoon and returning from them by Sunday evening, aided by boat and airplane in addition to standard land travel. He maintained the same kind of varied schedule while serving as pastor of St. Theresa's Church, Georgetown, commuting every weekend from Saint Augustine's to Exuma (1987-2006).Father George's non-priestly duties in the Bahamas included such tasks as serving the community and diocese as diocesan bursar, diocesan consultant, plant manager of Saint Augustine's, and subprior of the monastery. He was also a community builder, believing that if there was going to be a future for the Benedictine presence then it would be closely linked to the monastic community with its rhythm of prayer and work. He was greatly saddened in later years that a monastery in the Bahamas could no longer be sustained because of a lack of monastic personnel. But the missionary work for the monks of Saint John's Abbey which began over 100 years ago would continue in a flourishing diocese whose archbishop was a former student of Saint Augustine's College and in the newly independent school of Saint Augustine's College supported by a special endowment given to it by the assets of Saint Augustine's Monastery and a gift from Saint John's Abbey.When asked why he stayed in the Bahamas so long, he answered "because of the people. They have been most kind, helpful and patient. I needed them and I figured they needed me."In 1999, Father George was honored by the Bahamian government and the Archdiocese of Nassau at the Bahamas National Heroes Committee National Awards ceremony. At the same time, he also received the Pontifical Medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in recognition of his more than fifty years of service to the church in the Bahamas.In the Bahamas, everyone seems to have known and loved Father George. His presence could cut through bureaucratic red tape when something needed to get done. Even though he had a head for business, his natural bent was for people and for the pastoral ministry that served them. His quiet, low-keyed, cheerful, and helpful witness was like a leaven of hope amidst all the difficulties attendant on establishing a Roman Catholic presence in this pioneering missionary country and assisting in its educational endeavors. Fr. George passed away May 20th, 2013.
Fr. Ernie Martello OSC (Ohio) Congo Republic
Sr. Anna Mary Jagielski MMS ( St. Cloud)-Rome/Venezuela
Anna Mary was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on May 27th, 1916. She was the eldest of 6 children born to Bernard & Thecla Jagielski. She had 1 brother, Sylvester and 4 sisters.
Anna Mary went to St. John Cantius School in St. Cloud, MN, after which she attended the Technical High School 1932-34 for cooking and sewing. Before entering the community, she worked in housekeeping for 9 years for a number of families.
On Sept. 15th 1946, Anna Mary entered Medical Mission Sisters at Fox Chase. She made her first profession of vows here on Aug 15th, 1949, and final vows in Maracaibo, Venezuela in 1954
Anna Mary was in mission in a variety of settings in the U.S and in Venezuela. After profession she went to Atlanta where she was in charge of housekeeping and cooking at what was known as the Catholic Colored Clinic. In January of 1951 she was among the first group of MMS missioned to Maracaibo, Venezuela, where she was in charge of the laundry, linens and housekeeping at Our Lady of Coromoto Hospital. After 8 years she returned to Philadelphia and was assigned to the Provincial house as housekeeper and also took on hospitality. During her years in Philadelphia she attended yearly seminars at the Food Research Center for Catholic Institutions in Chicago, Ill, given by the National House keeping Association, where she was proud of earning 145 credits. She also worked for a year as a Nurses Aide in Jeanes Hospital and 4 years at Friends Hall giving bedside care to the elderly.
In 1976 Anna Mary was asked to go to Rome for an indefinite period as one of the nurses for Mother Dengel. There are many letters in her file telling of this special time in her life when she spent so many hours with Mother. She considered this a very graced time in her life.
After her return to the U.S in 1979 she was sent to St. Petersburg where she and Gemma Tessinari lived for a short time before going to the retirement village of Rocky Creek. There she was very active functioning as the sacristan, volunteering in the nursing care unit. scanning meal tickets in the dining room, and accompanying residents to Mass or on shopping trips. During this time she was also companion to Gemma whose health was failing.
Anna Mary tried always to keep her mind active. She enrolled in a Spanish class and was quite proud of the Spanish Diploma she received in 1994. She continued to be as active as possible until her health began to fail. She returned to Philadelphia and joined the community of house 5.
Anna Mary once wrote that she had 6 personal goals ~ Try to live in Peace & Harmony; Be more adaptable; Live for the life of others; Be of service to others; Reveal the Kingdom of God to others; Hope one day to see the face of Christ in eternal Life.
Sr. Anna Mary passed away on April 29th, 2006.
Br. Andrew Goltz OSB (Milaca)-Bahamas/Japan
Brother Andrew was the younger of two children born to John Ernest Goltz and Venus (Ritter) Goltz in Milaca, Minnesota, on April 20, 1933. In addition to his sister, Andrew also had four stepbrothers. His father was a farmer and his mother a homemaker.
Brother Andrew's elementary education was in a rural, one-room school. After graduating from Milaca High School in 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years where he was trained and subsequently worked as a hospital corpsman. He received his diploma from the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps School in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1952. His naval career took him to Japan during the Korean War. Upon his return to civilian life, Brother Andrew entered Saint John's Abbey as a novice in 1957 and the following year made his monastic profession as a Benedictine monk. From 1959 to 1962 he assisted artist Bronislaw Bak and Mr. Richard Haeg in assembling and installing the stained-glass window wall of the Abbey Church which was then under construction.
After then spending a year in Saint Augustine's Priory, Nassau, Bahamas, he returned to Saint John's and worked in the University Observatory from 1970-1975 while also studying nursing at the Saint Cloud Nursing School where he earned an R.N. degree. He then cared for ill and elderly confreres as a registered nurse from 1975–1980.
His next assignment took him back to Japan, this time to Saint Anselm's Priory in Tokyo, a foundation of Saint John's Abbey. Returning to Saint John's in 1991, Brother Andrew became the book preservation and repair specialist at the Saint John's Alcuin Library and the Clemens Library at the College of Saint Benedict from 1992–2014. He also repaired books for libraries throughout the region.
Brother Andrew's talent is especially evident in his hand-woven banners that hung for fifty years in the Great Hall, the colorful flags for outdoors that are used on festive occasions, and in the giant, richly embellished ornaments that continue to adorn the Great hall Christmas tree. Br. Andrew passed away October 7th, 2021.